This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
This chapter is from the book
Common Peripherals
Many devices connect to a computer to provide input, such as a mouse or keyboard, or output, such as a display. Some devices can be both input and output devices, such as smart TVs, set-top boxes (the boxes used to connect a TV to a cable or satellite system), Musical Instrument Digital Interface- (MIDI-) enabled devices (which are electronic musical devices), touchscreens, or printers. In the case of a printer, data is sent from a computer to the printer, and the printer can send data (information), such as an out-of-ink message, back to the computer. Figure 1.23 shows some common input and output devices.
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Figure 1.23 Input and output devices
Table 1.4 lists various peripherals that you will see used and attached to computers today.
Table 1.4 Common peripherals
Peripheral |
Description |
|---|---|
Printer |
An output device that transfers information such as text and graphics from a computer onto paper or other media. |
Flatbed scanner |
An input device that digitizes words or graphics and can be used as a copier. A scanner may have an automatic document feeder (ADF) that allows one or more documents to be fed into the scanner. |
Barcode scanner/QR scanner |
A handheld device that reads a code displayed as a series of vertical lines of varying widths or a quick response (QR) code that is a square that has embedded information such as a website within the displayed pattern (see Figure 1.24). |
VR headset |
A virtual reality (VR) device that is worn over the eyes to see a high-definition image or situation as part of a game, demonstration, or tour (see Figure 1.25). |
Touchpad |
A space on a laptop below the keyboard that is used to control the cursor. |
Signature pad |
A digital input device that allows users to digitally sign their names, such as when credit cards are used at a checkout register. |
Game controller |
An input device used with games or entertainment systems. |
Camera/webcam |
An input device used to capture video images or motion. More information can be found in Chapter 8, “Multimedia Devices.” |
Microphone |
An input device used to capture sound. More information can be found in Chapter 8. |
Headset |
An input/output device that commonly has a microphone and headphones, as shown in Figure 1.26. |
Projector |
An output device used to show an image on a screen or wall. The amount of brightness the projector outputs is measured in lumens. Common projector specifications for a business or educational environment is 2500 to 6000 lumens. Use the higher lumens projector for rooms that have windows or lights that cannot be dimmed. |
External storage drive |
An external hard drive, flash drive, or memory used to store data. These devices are covered in detail in Chapters 6, “Memory,” and 7, “Storage Devices.” |
KVM |
A switch that enables connectivity of devices so they can be shared between computers (see Figure 1.27). For example, one keyboard, one mouse, and one display and two computers could connect to a keyboard, video, and mouse (KVM) switch. |
Magnetic reader/chip reader |
A device that accepts cards that are inserted into the device in order to read data from the card or the chip on the card. |
NFC device/tap-to-pay device |
A device that accepts cards that are tapped against the display (tap-to-pay) or held in close proximity (near field communication [NFC]) in order to read data from a smartphone or card. |
Smart card reader |
A device that can read data from a card that has a magnetic strip such as a credit card, special business card, ID card, or room access card. |
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Figure 1.24 Barcode and QR code
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Figure 1.25 VR headset
Figure 1.26 Headset
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Figure 1.27 KVM switch
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