# peripheral

> hardware device which attaches to a computer and provides input, output, storage or communication facilities

**Wikidata**: [Q178648](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q178648)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/peripheral

## Summary
A **peripheral** is a hardware device that connects to a computer to provide input, output, storage, or communication functions. These devices are essential for expanding a computer's capabilities beyond its core hardware, enabling tasks such as data entry, display, printing, and data storage.

## Key Facts
- **Classification**: Peripherals are a subclass of **computer hardware**, specifically designed to extend a computer's functionality.
- **Functions**: They include input devices (e.g., keyboards, mice), output devices (e.g., monitors, printers), storage devices (e.g., USB drives, hard drives), and communication devices (e.g., modems, network cards).
- **Examples**: Notable peripherals include the **floppy disk drive**, **graphics card**, **printer**, and **webcam**.
- **Historical Context**: Early peripherals like the **IBM 2821 Control Unit** were used to attach card readers and printers to mainframe computers.
- **Modern Usage**: USB flash drives (inception: 1996) and external hard disk drives are common modern peripherals.
- **Aliases**: Also known as **computer peripherals**, **electronic peripherals**, or **input-output devices**.
- **Subclass of**: **Add-ons** for computers, often categorized under **computer hardware**.
- **Different from**: While peripherals are closely related to **input-output devices**, they are distinct in their broader role as standalone hardware extensions.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between a peripheral and a computer component?
A: A **computer component** is an internal hardware part (e.g., CPU, motherboard), while a **peripheral** is an external device that connects to the computer to provide additional functions like input, output, or storage.

### Q: Can peripherals be both input and output devices?
A: Yes, some peripherals, like **input-output devices**, serve both purposes. For example, a **printer** takes input (data) and produces output (printed documents).

### Q: What was one of the earliest peripherals used with mainframe computers?
A: The **IBM 2821 Control Unit** was an early peripheral used to attach card readers, card punches, and line printers to IBM System/360 and System/370 mainframe computers.

### Q: Are USB flash drives considered peripherals?
A: Yes, USB flash drives (inception: 1996) are classified as peripherals because they are external storage devices that connect to a computer to store and transfer data.

### Q: What is the role of a peripheral controller in a peripheral?
A: A **peripheral controller** is a component within a peripheral that manages communication between the device and the computer, ensuring data is correctly transmitted and received.

## Why It Matters
Peripherals are fundamental to the functionality of modern computing. They enable users to interact with computers, process data, and store information, making them indispensable for both personal and professional use. Without peripherals, computers would be limited to basic processing tasks, unable to handle complex inputs, outputs, or storage needs. The evolution of peripherals, from early mechanical devices like the **floppy disk drive** to modern **USB flash drives**, reflects advancements in technology and user convenience. Their role in expanding computer capabilities ensures they remain a critical component of computing systems.

## Notable For
- **Versatility**: Peripherals cover a wide range of functions, from **input devices** (e.g., keyboards) to **storage solutions** (e.g., external hard drives).
- **Historical Significance**: Early peripherals like the **IBM 2821 Control Unit** were pivotal in mainframe computing.
- **Modern Innovation**: USB flash drives (inception: 1996) revolutionized portable data storage.
- **Aliases**: Recognized by multiple terms, including **computer peripherals** and **electronic peripherals**.
- **Subclass Relationship**: Peripherals are a specific type of **add-on** for computers, distinct from core hardware components.

## Body
### Classification and Function
Peripherals are a specialized category of **computer hardware** designed to extend a computer's capabilities. They are classified under **computer hardware** and are often referred to as **add-ons** for computers. Peripherals can serve as **input devices** (e.g., keyboards, mice), **output devices** (e.g., monitors, printers), **storage devices** (e.g., USB drives, hard drives), or **communication devices** (e.g., modems, network cards).

### Historical Development
Early peripherals, such as the **IBM 2821 Control Unit**, were crucial for attaching input and output devices to mainframe computers. These devices laid the groundwork for modern peripheral technology. The **floppy disk drive**, introduced in the 1950s, was one of the first widely used peripherals, enabling data storage and retrieval.

### Modern Peripherals
Modern peripherals include **USB flash drives** (inception: 1996), which provide portable and convenient storage solutions. **External hard disk drives** are another common peripheral, offering large storage capacities for data backup and transfer. **Graphics cards** and **printers** are essential for visual output and document production, respectively.

### Aliases and Terminology
Peripherals are also known by various terms, including **computer peripherals**, **electronic peripherals**, and **input-output devices**. These aliases reflect their broad range of functions and applications in computing.

### Notable Examples
- **Floppy Disk Drive**: An early peripheral used for data storage.
- **Graphics Card**: Generates output images for displays.
- **Printer**: Produces hard copies of digital documents.
- **Webcam**: Provides real-time video input for communication.

### Peripheral Controllers
A **peripheral controller** is a component within a peripheral that manages communication between the device and the computer. It ensures that data is correctly transmitted and received, facilitating seamless interaction between the peripheral and the computer system.

### Distinction from Input-Output Devices
While peripherals are closely related to **input-output devices**, they are distinct in their broader role as standalone hardware extensions. Input-output devices focus specifically on data input and output, whereas peripherals encompass a wider range of functions, including storage and communication.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Peripheral",
  "description": "Hardware device that attaches to a computer to provide input, output, storage, or communication functions.",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q125391054",
    "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral"
  ],
  "additionalType": "ComputerHardware"
}

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Nuovo soggettario](https://thes.bncf.firenze.sbn.it/termine.php?id=60464)
3. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
4. YSO-Wikidata mapping project
5. UMLS 2023
6. National Library of Israel
7. KBpedia
8. [OpenAlex](https://docs.openalex.org/download-snapshot/snapshot-data-format)
9. Wikibase TDKIV