What is a peripheral device?

A peripheral device refers to hardware that connects to a computer system to add functionality but is not critical for the basic operation of the computer itself. Examples of peripheral devices include printers, mice, keyboards, and external storage drives. These devices can enhance user experience or expand the capabilities of the computer, such as enabling printing or data input, but the computer can still function without them.

Understanding the role of peripheral devices is essential in IT fundamentals as it helps distinguish between components that are integral to the system's core functions and those that provide additional features. In contrast, the other options represent components that are either essential for the computer's basic operations, such as internal processors, or specific functions like power supply and built-in storage, which are necessary for the computer to operate.