Common Hardware Devices and Computer Peripherals

The average computer user has a wide range ofconnection that is being used.
hardware devices and components installed on his orModem - A modem allows a computer to be
her system. Each has a corresponding device driver.connected with computers via phone line, cable
Some of the most common include:connection or wireless connection. The most common
BIOS - Short for Basic Input Output System, BIOS isuse for a modem is to establish an internet
a type of software that resides on a motherboardconnection.
chip. It contains codes that control devices such asNetwork Adapter - A network adapter is a device
the mouse, keyboard and various functions.that allows you to interconnect computers and
CD/DVD - Most newer computers come includednetworks. Some of the most common include PCI
with CD/DVD drives. These drives allow you to installEthernet cards and wireless network adapters.
software applications, play video games, and listen toPrinter - A printer is a device that connects to a
music on Compact Discs among other functions.computer and allows you to print documents and
Displays - Displays simply refer to computer monitors,graphics. Many printers today also function as copiers,
such as flat panel screens and touch screens.scanners and fax machines.
Game Controller - A game controller is a device thatRemovable Drive - Removable drives refer to
connects to a computer or game console and allowsstorage devices that are primarily used to backup
you to play video games. The most commonand restore data onto a computer. Common
example is a USB joystick.examples including USB flash drives and portable hard
Graphics/Video Adapter - Graphics video adapterdrives.
cards handle the appearance and performance ofScanner - A scanner is a device that connects to a
your display. They are responsible for processingcomputer and allows you to scan documents and
information, making calculations about the pixels ofimages. It typically requires a special type of
each color, and outputting data to the computersoftware in order to function properly.
screen.Soundcard - A soundcard is a built-in component that
Hard Disk Controller - A hard disk controller is anenables computer speakers to produce sounds.
interface or circuit that enables the operating systemSoundcards also come in external variations and
to control the hard disk on a computer. The mostrequire that a microphone be connected.
common examples are modems, which are integratedTape Backup Drive - Tape backup drives are used to
with hark disk controllers.store data on magnetic tapes, usually for backup
Input Devices - Input devices are used to enter datapurposes. They generally come with backup software
into a computer. Common examples include athat allows you to schedule automatic backups.
keyboard, mouse or touchpad.USB - Short for Universal Serial Bus, a USB is a
ISDN - An ISDN refers to a certain digital phone datastandard used to interconnect computers with
network service. It requires the use of a modemvarious devices. This process is done with USB ports
that corresponds with the type of networkand cables.