Page 72 - Computer - 9(A&B)

Session 3

Identify Various Peripheral Devices

The term peripheral device refers to all hardware components that are attached to a computer and are controlled
by the computer. You need hard disk, memory and various other peripheral devices so that your computer
works properly.
A peripheral device connects to a computer system to add functionality. Examples are a mouse, keyboard,
monitor, printer and scanner. 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, i.e., computing. It helps end users access
and use the functionalities of a computer.

Types of Peripheral Devices

A peripheral device may be classifi ed as an internal or external peripheral device.
Peripheral Devices

Internal External

Internal Peripheral Devices
The components of computer system about which you learned so far are connected externally to the computer
to support input and output operations.
Along with these, there are many other components of the computer system which are located inside the CPU
box. These components are mainly used to perform data processing or power management functions. Such
components are called Internal Peripheral Devices.

Motherboard
The motherboard which is also referred to as the main board is an electronic circuit
board which connects all parts of the computer together. The devices like CPU,
memory, hard drives, ports and other expansion cards are connected directly or via
cable to the motherboard. It is generally located on the backside or at the bottom of
the CPU box. It allocates power and allows communication among all the hardware
components.

Switched-Mode Power Supply (SMPS)
SMPS is an electronic circuit box fi xed inside the CPU cabinet which provides
well regulated power supply to the various parts of computer system
irrespective of the input variations. It takes rectifi ed AC input from the
main power and converts it into one or more lower voltage DC output after
performing power factor correction. It offers a greater power conversion and
reduces the overall power loss. These power supplies have high effi ciency
which provides stable power supply to the sensitive electronic parts of the
computer.

Video Card
Video card, also known as the graphics card or graphics adapter, is an electronic card that
allows the computer to send graphical information to the display adapter like monitor,
projector or TV. This card is directly inserted in the expansion slot on the motherboard.
It includes a processing unit, memory, cooling mechanism and connections to a display

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