Peripheral devices, also known as peripherals, are auxiliary hardware devices used to transfer information into and out of a computer. They are controlled by the computer system but are not considered its core components. Peripheral devices can be classified into three categories based on their purpose:

• Input devices: These devices send data or instructions to the computer, such as a mouse, keyboard, graphics tablet, image scanner, barcode reader, game controller, light pen, light gun, microphone, and webcam.

• Output devices: These devices provide output data from the computer, such as a computer monitor, television set, projector, printer, headphones, and computer speakers.

• Input/output devices: These devices perform both input and output functions, such as a computer data storage device (including a disk drive, solid-state drive, USB flash drive, memory card, and tape drive), audio/video/audiovisual equipment, multi-function printer, modem, and network adapter.

Peripheral devices are not essential for the computer to perform its basic tasks, but they enhance the users experience. Some examples of peripheral devices include a mouse, keyboard, webcam, microphone, monitor, speakers, projector, printer, USB flash drive, and external hard drive.