A peripheral device, or simply peripheral, is an auxiliary hardware device used to transfer information into and out of a computer. Peripheral devices are not the core components of the computer, but they are attached to a computer and are controlled by the computer system. Several categories of peripheral devices may be identified, based on their relationship with the computer:
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Input devices: These devices send data or instructions to the computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, graphics tablet, image scanner, barcode reader, game controller, light pen, light gun, microphone, and webcam.
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Output devices: These devices receive data from the computer, such as a printer, speaker, and display.
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Storage devices: These devices expand the computers storage capabilities, such as external hard drives and flash drives.
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Networking devices: These devices expand the computers networking capabilities, such as routers and modems.
Peripheral devices can be connected to a computer through various interfaces, such as USB, HDMI, and Ethernet. Peripheral devices require drivers, which are software that enables a peripheral device to communicate with a computers operating system. Without the appropriate driver, a peripheral device may not function at all or may function improperly.
In a medical context, "peripheral" refers to areas away from the center of the body or a body part. For example, the hands are peripheral to the shoulder, and the toes are peripheral to the knee.
