What's another name for a peripheral device? Understanding auxiliary computing hardware

Did you know that many devices you connect to your computer are not essential for its core function? This article will delve into computer hardware to answer What's another name for a peripheral device? and clarify why these components are so vital.

Quick Summary

A peripheral device is also commonly known as an auxiliary device, an external device, or more generally as a computer peripheral, providing a computer system with additional functionality and features.

Key Points

• Auxiliary Device: The most common and technically accurate synonym for a peripheral device is an auxiliary device.

• Functional Categories: Peripherals are typically categorized as input, output, or storage devices, based on their main function.

• Internal and External: Peripherals can exist either externally (like a monitor) or internally (like a graphics card) within a computer's case.

• Not a Core Component: By definition, a peripheral is not essential for the core functions of the computer, which are handled by the CPU, motherboard, and memory.

• Essential for User Interaction: While not core components, devices like keyboards and monitors are crucial for user interaction and are still considered peripherals.

• Enhanced Functionality: Peripherals expand a computer's capabilities, allowing for customization and a wider range of tasks beyond basic processing.

• Accessory vs. Peripheral: An accessory often improves convenience, while a peripheral adds core functionality, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

Defining the Peripheral Device

In computing, a peripheral device is any piece of hardware that can be connected to a computer to expand its capabilities. The device is not a core component like the central processing unit (CPU), motherboard, or power supply. Instead, it adds functionality, such as the ability to input data, output information, or store files. The term 'peripheral' literally means situated on the edge, which accurately describes its position relative to the computer's central system.

The most common alias: Auxiliary Device

For those asking, "What's another name for a peripheral device?", the most common and technically accurate synonym is an auxiliary device. The word "auxiliary" means providing supplementary or additional help and support, which perfectly describes the function of these components. This term is often used in more formal or technical contexts to distinguish them from the computer's core, integrated parts. Other closely related terms include computer accessory, external device, and add-on, though these can sometimes carry slightly different connotations depending on the context.

Other common terms and related phrases

• Computer peripheral: A broad, common term often used interchangeably.
• I/O Device: Refers to a device's function (Input/Output). This includes everything from keyboards to printers.
• Add-on: A less formal term that suggests optional, extra functionality.
• Component: Can refer to any part of a system, but is sometimes used for peripherals.
• Hardware extension: A descriptive phrase emphasizing the expansion of capabilities.

Types of Peripheral Devices

Peripherals are typically categorized based on their function. A computer system relies on a combination of these devices to operate effectively for the user. These categories help clarify the role each device plays in a computing setup.

Input peripherals

These devices are used to provide data and control signals to an information processing system. Without them, a user would be unable to interact with the computer. They translate user actions into digital signals.

• Keyboard: The primary text and command entry device.
• Mouse: A pointing device for graphical user interfaces.
• Scanner: Captures images and text from paper documents into a digital format.
• Microphone: Captures sound for recording or voice commands.
• Webcam: Captures still images and video.

Output peripherals

Output devices receive data from the computer and display or project it in a human-readable format. They are how the computer communicates back to the user.

• Monitor: The main visual display unit.
• Printer: Creates hard copies of electronic documents.
• Speakers/Headphones: Produce audio output.
• Projector: Displays video and images on a larger screen.

Storage peripherals

Storage devices are both input and output, as they are used to write data to and read data from a storage medium. They provide non-volatile memory, meaning they retain data even when the computer is turned off.

• External Hard Drive: Provides additional storage space outside the computer tower.
• Flash Drive (USB Drive): Portable storage for transferring files.
• Memory Card Reader: Reads data from flash memory cards used in cameras and phones.

Internal versus External Peripherals

While many people think of peripherals as external, devices that exist inside the computer case are also technically considered peripherals. The key distinction is whether the device is part of the core, central architecture (CPU, motherboard, RAM) or an add-on that can be swapped out.

• External peripherals: Connect to the computer via ports on the outside of the case. Examples include a printer, monitor, or external hard drive.
• Internal peripherals: Connect directly to the motherboard via expansion slots or drive bays. Examples include a graphics card, internal hard disk drive, or optical drive.

This distinction is important in understanding the modular nature of modern computing. For instance, an internal graphics card is a peripheral, but a dedicated one is often an upgrade that can be replaced, unlike the core CPU, which is integral to the entire system.

Comparison of Peripheral Terminology

To further clarify, here is a comparison of different terms used to describe supplementary computer hardware.

Term	Primary Definition	Example	Context
Auxiliary Device	A supplementary component that provides extra function.	Printer, Scanner	Technical, Formal
Peripheral Device	A hardware component connected to a computer, not part of its core system.	Keyboard, Mouse	Standard, General
Accessory	A device that enhances convenience or user experience, but may not add core function.	Mouse pad, ergonomic wrist rest	Casual, Retail
Input/Output Device	A device defined by its data flow direction.	All-in-one printer, modem	Functional, Technical

How peripherals enhance user experience

The ability to add, remove, and upgrade peripherals is a cornerstone of personal computing. They allow users to customize their machines for specific tasks, from gaming with a high-end graphics card to professional photo editing with a high-resolution monitor and graphics tablet. Peripherals are what allow a generic computer to be tailored to a user's unique needs.

Understanding the correct terminology, such as What's another name for a peripheral device? and its variations, is essential for communicating effectively in the world of computing. Whether you are assembling a custom PC or simply troubleshooting a printer, knowing these terms helps you understand the architecture of your system. You can learn more about computer peripherals and accessories by visiting an authoritative source like Webopedia.

Conclusion: More Than Just 'Extras'

In summary, while the most direct and technical alternative name is an auxiliary device, the world of computing offers several related terms that describe these crucial components. They are far more than just extras; peripherals are fundamental to the modern computing experience, enabling us to interact with our machines and accomplish an enormous range of tasks. From the mouse you navigate with to the external hard drive that backs up your work, these devices are the extensions that turn a computer's raw processing power into a practical and usable tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the primary function of an auxiliary device?

The primary function of an auxiliary, or peripheral, device is to add additional functionality to a computer system. This can be anything from entering data to displaying output or storing information.

Are input devices also considered a type of peripheral device?

Yes, input devices like keyboards and mice are a major type of peripheral device. Their function is to provide data and control signals to the computer.

What is the difference between a peripheral and an accessory?

A peripheral adds or extends core functionality to a computer (e.g., a printer), while an accessory typically enhances the user experience or provides comfort without adding new functions (e.g., a mousepad or a dust cover).

Can an internal hard drive be considered a peripheral device?

Yes, an internal hard drive is a peripheral device. It is considered an internal peripheral because it adds storage functionality but is not part of the core processing architecture.

Do wireless devices count as peripherals?

Yes, wireless devices like a Bluetooth mouse or a Wi-Fi-enabled printer are considered peripherals. The term refers to the device's function, not its method of connection.

What's an example of an input/output peripheral?

A common example of an input/output peripheral is a multi-function printer that can both scan documents (input) and print documents (output). External hard drives and USB flash drives also fall into this category.

Is a graphics card a peripheral?

Yes, a dedicated graphics card is an internal peripheral. It connects to the motherboard via an expansion slot and adds specialized processing power to handle visual output, though the computer's core CPU and onboard graphics can function without it.