What defines a peripheral device?

What defines a peripheral device?

• A. A device integrated into the motherboard
• B. An external device attached to a computer
• C. A software application
• D. A component of the CPU

Answer: (B)

A peripheral device is defined as an external device that connects to a computer but is not part of the core architecture like the motherboard or CPU. These devices are used to add functionality to the computer, such as input (e.g., keyboards and mice), output (e.g., printers and monitors), or storage (e.g., external hard drives). The term "peripheral" inherently implies that these devices enhance the capabilities of the computer system without being critical components of the system's core operation. The other choices identify elements not considered peripheral devices. A device integrated into the motherboard refers to hardware components that are essential for the computer's basic operation, such as the CPU, RAM, and integrated graphics. Software applications do not fall under the category of hardware peripherals, as they are intangible programs that perform specific tasks but do not connect externally to the hardware. Lastly, a component of the CPU is a fundamental part of the computer's internal processing capabilities and is not an attachment or add-on device. Thus, the external nature of peripheral devices is a defining characteristic that distinguishes them from other types of components within a computer system.

A peripheral device is defined as an external device that connects to a computer but is not part of the core architecture like the motherboard or CPU. These devices are used to add functionality to the computer, such as input (e.g., keyboards and mice), output (e.g., printers and monitors), or storage (e.g., external hard drives). The term "peripheral" inherently implies that these devices enhance the capabilities of the computer system without being critical components of the system's core operation.

The other choices identify elements not considered peripheral devices. A device integrated into the motherboard refers to hardware components that are essential for the computer's basic operation, such as the CPU, RAM, and integrated graphics. Software applications do not fall under the category of hardware peripherals, as they are intangible programs that perform specific tasks but do not connect externally to the hardware. Lastly, a component of the CPU is a fundamental part of the computer's internal processing capabilities and is not an attachment or add-on device. Thus, the external nature of peripheral devices is a defining characteristic that distinguishes them from other types of components within a computer system.