Understanding Computer Peripherals
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Mohd Hafiez- Introduction
- Definition & Types of Peripheral
- Different Types & Functions of Peripheral
- Exercises
- References
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COMPUTER PARTS & COMPONENTS
PERIPHERALS
PUSAT PERKEMBANGAN KURIKULUM
KEMENTERIAN PELAJARAN MALAYSIA
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MODULE 4
PERIPHERALS
Curriculum Development Centre
Ministry of Education Malaysia
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1. Name of Module: Computer Parts & Components - Peripherals
2. Learning Outcomes: The students should be able to:
a. state the definition of peripheral
b. identify different types of peripherals
c. state examples different types of peripherals
d. explain the functions of each peripheral
3. Knowledge and Skills:
a. identify main computer components
b. identify different types of peripherals
4. Module Summary: At the end of the module, students should be able to know the
functions of each peripheral
This module contains 2 activities:
Activity 1: Definition of peripheral
Activity 2: Different types & functions of peripheral
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Activity 1: Definition & types of peripheral
a. PERIPHERAL DEVICE
Peripheral (Figure 1) are pieces of computer hardware
that are added to a host computer, i.e. any hardware
except the computer, in order to expand its abilities. Most
of those devices are optional in nature.
External hardware devices attached to the computer are
called peripheral equipments.
There are three types of peripheral:
Figure 1 – Examples of peripherals
• Input devices
• Output devices
• Storage devices
b. INPUT DEVICES
Input devices are any electronic device that are connected to a computer and produces
input signals. Figure 2 shows some examples of computer input devices
Figure 2 – Examples of Input Devices
c. OUTPUT DEVICES
Output devices are the result of data processing activity when it is presented externally to
the system. It is a hardware that is capable of delivering or showing information to one or
more users. The output from a computer can be in printed or displayed form (see Figure 3).
Figure 3 – Examples of Output Devices
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d. STORAGE DEVICES
Computer storage is the holding of data in an electromagnetic form, for access by a
computer processor. Information and documents are stored in a computer storage so
that it can be retrieved whenever they are needed later on. Figure 4 are examples of
storage
.
Hard Disk Diskettes & CDs Thumb Drivers
Figure 4 – Examples of Storage Devices
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Activity 2: Different types & the functions of peripheral
a. Printers
A printer is an output device to print text or graphics on mediums such as paper,
transparency film or even cloths.
A photo printer is a colour printer that produces photo-
quality pictures.
Figure 5 – Examples of printers
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b. Scanners
A scanner is a device that analyzes images, printed text, handwriting, or objects (such as
an ornament) and changes it into a digital image.
The flatbed scanner is the most common in offices.
Hand-held scanners, are popular but no longer used due
to the difficulty in obtaining high-quality image.
The bar code scanner consists of a scanner, a decoder, and a
cable that interfaces between the decoder to the computer or
terminal. The scanner's function is to scan the bar code symbol
and provide an electrical output to the computer that
corresponds to the bars and spaces of the bar code.
The handheld scanners were extremely popular as they were
cheap and relatively simple. However, the handheld scanner is not
particularly accurate, usually has a maximum resolution of 600 dpi
and can be quite difficult to use. Their main drawback is the limited
scanning area and, whilst they are handy for scanning small images
and narrow columns of text.
The Sheet Fed Scanner designed to scan individual sheets of
paper automatically in much the same way as a fax machine.
Their main advantage is that they have a small footprint, but this is
frequently negated by the need to output the scanned paper
directly onto the desktop.
( source [Link]
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c. LCD Projector
LCD projector is a type of video projector for displaying video, images or computer data
on a screen or other flat surface such as on to a wall or screen. It is a modern slide
projector.
Figure 7 - LCD Projector
d. Digital cameras
Digital cameras are electronic devices used to capture and store photographs digitally.
They use memory card instead of photographic film like conventional cameras or recording
images in an analog format to magnetic tape like many video cameras.
Modern compact digital cameras are typically multifunctional, with some devices capable
of recording sound and video as well as photographs.
Digital Camera
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e. External CD Drives
The external DVD/CD-RW combo drive functions as a DVD player, a CD-RW drive and
a CD-ROM drive. This allows you to install computer applications, files, music and
movies on CD. It is easy to be carried around.
External CD Drives
f. External Storages
External storage is an alternative storage. It is very useful to store programs and data
for future use. The storage is required for two reasons:
1. The working memory of the CPU is limited in size and cannot always hold the
amount of data required.
2. Data and programmes in storage do not disappear when the power is turned off.
Hard Disk Thumb Drive Diskette CD-Rom
Zip Disk Memory Stick Smart Chip
Flash Memory
External Storage
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EXERCISE 1
Label the figures shown below and write your answers on the lines given. You may use
the words given below to help you.
CD or DVD
External hard disk
Tape drive
Miniature hard disk
Zip disk
Flash memory card
USB Flash drive
1. _________ 2. _________
3. __________ 4. _________
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5. _________ 6. _________
7. _________
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Look at the pictures given. Then, name the devices and state their functions.
Devices Name of devices Functions
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Reference
Cashman, S. (2006) Discovering Computers 2006. USA : Thomson Course Technology.
Ibrahim Ahmad, Mohd Hafiz et al (2007) Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Based on SPM Syllabus. Selangor: Venton Publishing (M) Sdn Bhd.
NCC Education (2002) Computer Studies, Computer Ace. Sri Lanka : Computer Pioneers.
Basic Computing (2003) by TMEdu Tech (M) Sdn Bhd
[Link]
[Link]
[Link]
CD courseware ICT
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Common questions
Powered by AIModern digital cameras, which store photographs digitally using memory cards, offer multifunctional capabilities such as capturing sound and video, along with photographs. This contrasts with traditional photographic equipment that relies on film for images or magnetic tape for video. Digital cameras provide easier storage, retrieval, and transfer of media without the chemical processing required by traditional methods, thus enhancing convenience and efficiency in capturing visual content .
External storage solutions such as external hard disks and flash drives provide additional storage capacity beyond the computer's internal memory, offering the advantage of detachable, portable, and expandable options for storing data. These solutions address the limitation of limited internal storage capacity and ensure data is preserved even when the system is powered off. However, their reliance on external connections can introduce stability and speed concerns, especially compared to direct internal solutions .
Input devices interact with a computing system by sending control signals or data into the computer, such as through keyboards and mice. Output devices, in contrast, present data from the computer to the user, like printers and monitors. These devices enable the user to give commands to the computer and receive processed information, respectively, thus facilitating comprehensive human-computer interaction .
LCD projectors enhance presentations by projecting images, video, or computer data onto a large screen or flat surface, enabling clear and vivid visual representation for large audiences. They are a modern alternative to traditional slide projectors and are valued for their capacity to display dynamic content from various digital sources, significantly improving the engagement and clarity of presentations .
External CD drives function as multifunctional tools that allow CD reading, writing, and playback, complementing computing systems by enabling users to install software, play media, and back up data. They are particularly useful for devices lacking built-in optical drives, addressing the need for physical media interaction, data sharing, and archival .
Digital cameras have profoundly influenced photography by democratizing access to photographic tools, vastly improving image storage, and simplifying the sharing process. In both personal and professional contexts, they allow immediate review and editing, fostering creativity and experimentation. Professional photography benefits from increased efficiency in workflow and post-processing. Furthermore, digital innovation has led to the rise of new forms of multimedia expression, widely impacting visual communications .
Peripherals expand a computer's capabilities by adding additional functions beyond the basic operations of the computer itself. They are categorized into three types: input devices (such as keyboards and mice), output devices (such as printers and monitors), and storage devices (such as external hard drives and thumb drives). These categories facilitate various interactions with the computer—input, processing, output, and storage—which enhance the overall functionality and user experience .
Scanners analyze images, printed text, handwriting, or objects and convert them into digital images. The flatbed scanner is most common and can handle various types of media. Handheld scanners, while cheaper, have limitations in image quality and resolution (max 600 dpi) and are difficult to use accurately. Sheet-fed scanners can process individual sheets like a fax machine but require space to output scanned paper. These limitations affect their suitability depending on the desired use case .
Peripheral devices extend a computer's capabilities by enabling users to interact with it in varied ways beyond its basic operations. Input devices allow user interaction for data and command input, output devices provide processed data to users, and storage devices offer extended space for saving data. Together, they improve the computer's versatility in processing and presenting information effectively .
Integrating various types of peripherals poses challenges such as ensuring compatibility with the host system, managing drivers, resolving conflicts, and optimizing performance. Differences in connection interfaces, such as USB, HDMI, or proprietary ports, can complicate setups. Additionally, peripherals can introduce additional load on system resources, requiring effective management to prevent performance degradation .
