Chapter 1 Section 1.3 Peripheral Devices

Universal Serial Bus (USB)

A common interface used to connect peripherals, such as mice, keyboards, printers, and digital cameras to a computer.

Infrared

A communication technology that uses light waves to transmit information through the air.

Registered Jack 45 (RJ-45) Connector

A connector used to connect a computer to a wired network.

High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) Connector

A connector used to connect a computer to an HDMI monitor or TV.

Video Graphics Array (VGA) Connector

A connector, identified by its blue color and three rows of pins, that is used to connect older monitors to a computer.

Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Connector

A connector, typically white with three rows of eight pins, designed to connect digital monitors to a computer.

Scanner

A device that can be connected to a computer or network that scans paper documents and converts them into digital files.

Peripheral

A device, usually external to a computer, that is plugged into a computer's communication port or is connected wirelessly. Common peripherals are keyboards, mice, monitors, speakers, and printers.

Touch Screen

A display device that allows a user to interact with a computer by touching, tapping, and swiping areas on the screen.

Bluetooth

A short-range wireless communication technology used to connect peripherals such as wireless headphones, speakers, keyboards, mice, smart watches, printers, and game controllers to a computer, including smartphones.

Thunderbolt

An interface primarily used on Apple computers that typically connects a monitor to a computer and can also provide DC power.

FireWire

Another common interface used to connect peripherals such as digital cameras and external hard drives to a computer.