Definition - What does Peripheral Device mean?
A peripheral device is an internal or external device that connects directly to a computer
but does not contribute to the computer's primary function, such as computing. It helps
end users access and use the functionalities of a computer.
Techopedia explains Peripheral Device
A peripheral device provides input/output (I/O) functions for a computer and serves as
an auxiliary computer device without computing-intensive functionality. Peripheral
devices connect with a computer through several I/O interfaces, such as
communications (COM), Universal Serial Bus (USB) and serial ports.
Peripheral devices include the following:
Mouse
Keyboard
Printer
Webcam
Printer
Scanner
External drives
Graphics cards
CD-ROM
A peripheral device may be classified as an internal or external peripheral device.
Setting up a computer
So you have a new computer and you're ready to set it up. This may
seem like an overwhelming and complicated task, but it's actually a lot
easier than you might think! Most computers are set up in a similar way,
so it doesn't matter what brand of computer you have.
If you're setting up a new computer that's still in the box, you'll probably
find a how-to guide that includes step-by-step details. Even if it didn't
include instructions, you can still set up the computer in a few easy
steps. We'll take you through the different steps needed to set up a
typical computer.
Setting up a desktop computer
Step 1
Unpack the monitor and computer case from the box. Remove any
plastic covering or protective tape. Place the monitor and computer case
on a desk or work area.
Be sure to place your computer case in an area that is well
ventilated and has good air flow. This will help to prevent the computer
from overheating.
Step 2
Locate the monitor cable. There are several types of monitor cables, so
the one for your computer may not look like the one in the image below.
If you're having trouble finding your monitor cable, refer to the instruction
manual for your computer. (If you have an all-in-one computer that's
built into the monitor, you can skip to Step 4).
Step 3
Connect one end of the cable to the monitor port on the back of
the computer caseand the other end to the monitor. If you're using a
VGA cable like the one in the picture below, you'll want to tighten the
screws on the monitor cable to secure it.
Many computer cables will only fit a specific way. If the cable doesn't fit,
don't force it or you might damage the connectors. Make sure the plug
aligns with the port, then connect it.
To figure out which cables belong in which ports, try our Connecting
Cables interactive.
Step 4
Unpack the keyboard and determine whether it uses
a USB (rectangular) connector or a PS/2 (round) connector. If it uses a
USB connector, plug it into any of the USB ports on the back of the
computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector, plug it into the purple keyboard
port on the back of the computer.
Step 5
Unpack the mouse and determine whether it uses
a USB or PS/2 connector. If it uses a USB connector, plug it into any of
the USB ports on the back of the computer. If it uses a PS/2 connector,
plug it into the green mouse port on the back of the computer.
If your keyboard has a USB port, you can connect your mouse to the
keyboard instead of connecting it directly to your computer.
If you have a wireless mouse or keyboard, you may need to connect a
Bluetooth dongle (USB adapter) to your computer. However, many
computers have built-in Bluetooth, so an adapter may not be necessary.
Step 6
If you have external speakers or headphones, you can connect them
to your computer's audio port (either on the front or back of the
computer case). Many computers have color-coded
ports. Speakers or headphones connect to the green port,
and microphones connect to the pink port. The blue port is the line in,
which can be used with other types of devices.
Some speakers, headphones, and microphones have USB
connectors instead of the usual audio plug. These can be connected to
any USB port. In addition, many computers have speakers or
microphones built into the monitor.
Step 7
Locate the two power supply cables that came with your computer.
Plug the first power supply cable into the back of the computer
case and then into a surge protector. Then, using the other cable,
connect the monitor to the surge protector.
You can also use an uninterruptable power supply (UPS), which acts
as a surge protector and provides temporary power if there is a power
outage.
Step 8
Finally, plug the surge protector into a wall outlet. You may also need
to turn on the surge protector if it has a power switch.
If you don't have a surge protector, you can plug the computer directly
into the wall. However, this is not recommended because electrical
surges can damage your computer.
Step 9
If you have a printer, scanner, webcam, or other peripherals, you can
connect them at this point. Many peripherals are plug and play, which
means they will be recognized by your computer as soon as they are
plugged in.
Other peripherals may include software that needs to be installed before
you can begin using them. Use the instructions included with the device
to install it if necessary.
Generally, peripherals are optional, and you can add new ones at any
time; you don't have to add all peripherals during the initial setup of your
computer.
Setup complete!
That's it—you've finished setting up your computer, so it's time to start
using it! We'll talk more about how to use your computer over the next
several lessons.
