peripheral device: Quick Facts

Written and fact-checked by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Facts

Also Known As	computer peripheral • input–output device • peripheral • input/output device

Photos

Diagram comparing a mechanical mouse and a cordless optical mouse, showing labeled internal parts such as the ball and rollers in the mechanical mouse and the LED, camera, and battery in the optical mouse, along with connectors for a personal computer.

computer keyboard

Diagram of a computer laser printer showing the printing process: a laser beam creates an image on a rotating drum, attracting toner particles, which are then transferred and fused onto paper as it moves through rollers. Key components and steps are labeled.

A blue flash-memory USB drive plugged into the side port of a black laptop computer.

See All Images →

Topics

modem head-mounted display VPL DataGlove keyboard pointing stick video display terminal touch-screen display console digital tablet trackball computer memory motherboard graphics processing unit software central processing unit sound card computer chip hardware computer circuitry coprocessor

Dig Deeper: More Articles That Discuss This Topic

computer: Peripherals

computer chip. computer. Hand holding computer chip. Central processing unit (CPU). history and society, science and technology, microchip, microprocessor motherboard computer Circuit Board

Computers and Technology Quiz

Technician operates the system console on the new UNIVAC 1100/83 computer at the Fleet Analysis Center, Corona Annex, Naval Weapons Station, Seal Beach, CA. June 1, 1981. Univac magnetic tape drivers or readers in background. Universal Automatic Computer

Computers and Operating Systems