2.3 Peripherals & Putting it all Together

MDX Parsing Error

[next-mdx-remote] error compiling MDX: Unexpected character `"` (U+0022) in attribute name, expected an attribute name character such as letters, digits, `$`, or `_`; `=` to initialize a value; whitespace before attributes; or the end of the tag More information: https://mdxjs.com/docs/troubleshooting-mdx

Raw Content:

<!-- === LEARNING GOALS HEADER === -->

<Callout title="🎯 Learning Goals for This Page" type="info">
- Define "peripheral device."
- Categorize common peripherals as input, output, or storage devices.
- Understand that a complete computer system is a collection of components chosen for a specific purpose.
</Callout>

<!-- === MAIN CONTENT AREA === -->

## Completing the System: Peripherals

A computer isn't very useful without a way for a person to interact with it. A **peripheral device** is any piece of hardware that is not part of the core computer system (CPU, RAM, motherboard) but is connected to it to add functionality. We can group them into three main categories.

### Input Devices: How We Talk to the Computer

These devices are used to send data *into* the computer.

- **Keyboard & Mouse:** The classic tools for navigation and typing.
- **Microphone:** Captures audio and converts it into digital data.
- **Scanner:** Converts a physical document or image into a digital file.

### Output Devices: How the Computer Talks to Us

These devices are used to present information *from* the computer in a human-readable form.

- **Monitor:** Displays visual information. Key specs include resolution (clarity) and refresh rate (smoothness).
- **Printer:** Creates a physical copy of a digital document.
- **Speakers/Headphones:** Convert digital audio signals into sound.

*Some devices, like a touchscreen, are both input and output!*

---

## Visual Learners: Putting It All Together

A great way to see how all these internal and external parts connect is to watch a PC being built. These videos show the motherboard as the hub and how peripherals complete the system.

<!-- === VIDEO EMBEDS === -->
<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s1fxZ-VWs2U" title="How to Build a PC, the last guide you'll ever need! (2024 Update) - LTT" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

<iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/DC-Xn2C_L1U" title="First Person View (POV) PC BUILD Guide! (2024)" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>

### Knowledge Check: What's its Job?

Test your understanding. Use an H5P **Drag and Drop** where students sort peripherals into *Input* and *Output* (and optionally *Storage*). If your Brightspace shell has H5P enabled, create it right inside the LMS.

<!-- === RECOMMENDED ACTIVITY LINKS === -->

<Callout title="Note" type="info">
**Recommended activities:**

**[https://h5p.org/h5p/embed/831495](https://h5p.org/h5p/embed/831495)
**
</Callout>

<!-- If you already have an H5P activity URL from your Brightspace instance, embed it below by replacing the src value. --><!--

          <iframe src="YOUR-H5P-ACTIVITY-URL" title="H5P: Sort the Peripherals" allowfullscreen></iframe>

      -->
<!-- === KEY TAKEAWAY BOX === -->

<Callout title="Your Next Step: The "PC Builder" Project" type="info">
A computer is a system of components chosen to meet a user's needs. A graphic designer needs a great monitor, while a podcaster needs a great microphone. Now that you understand the role of each part, you are ready for your first major project for this unit. Please proceed to the next page to see the instructions for the "PC Builder" Project.
</Callout>