PC Pro Chapter 4.1 - Peripheral Devices

Barcode Scanner

A device that can scan barcodes

Biometric Scanner

A device that is able to scan users' unique physical features and use them to verify their identity.

Virtual Reality (VR) Headset

A device worn on the head that covers the eyes and provides separate images for each eye, stereo sound, and motion tracking sensors to create a virtual reality experience for the user.

Input\Output Devices

A peripheral device that can input data to a computer and accept output data from a computer.

Output Devices

A peripheral device used to give you the results of that processed data.

Input Devices

A peripheral device used to provide information to a computer.

Near Field Communication (NFC)

A set of communication protocols that allows devices to communicate when they are within 1.6 inches of one another.

Game Controller

An input device designed specifically for computer gaming; examples include joysticks and gamepads.

Peripheral Device

Any external component that either sends information to or retrieves information from a computer.

Example of Digitizers

Graphic Tablets, Document Scanners, 3D Scanners

Passive motion sensors

Motion sensors that detect infrared energy, which is emitted by humans and animals.

Active motion sensors

Motion sensors that use ultrasonic sound waves to detect movement in an area.

Optical Character Recognition (OCR)

Technology that can translate a scanned document image into text that can be edited and formatted.

Lumens

The brightness of light from projectors and other output devices is measured using this measurement.

Dots per Inch (DPI)

The rating denotes how many steps (cursor movements) are counted in a single inch.

Projectors

These are display devices that use light to project display output onto a wall or screen.

Touchpads

These devices are typically found on notebook computers and are used in place of a mouse.

KVM Switch

This device allows multiple computers to use a single keyboard, mouse, and monitor.

Digitizer

This device captures some type of analog signal and converts it into digital data.

Microphone

This device inputs sound and converts that sound into an electrical signal.

Motion Sensors

This device is able to detect the slightest amount of movement in an area. Typically used with security systems and require special software and configuration.

Signature Pad

This device is used to obtain signatures for transactions and agreements. The user uses a stylus on a touch screen to sign his or her name.

Scanner

This device is used to scan hard-copy images and documents and convert them into digital input for the PC.

Card Reader

This device scans the chip or magnetic strip on a card, verifies its contents, and authenticates the user.

Examples of Input Devices

keyboard, mouse, microphone

Examples of Output Devices

monitor, printer, speakers

Examples of Input\Output Devices

touchscreens, headsets, VR systems, modems