External Hardware

Input Devices

Input devices are hardware components that allow a user to send data and control signals to a computer.

Common Input Devices

  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Touchscreen
  • Microphone
  • Camera

Output Devices

Output devices are hardware components that translate electronic data from a computer into human-perceptible form, such as visual displays, audio output, or physical copies.

Common Output Devices

  • Monitors
  • Printers
  • Speakers
  • Projectors
  • Headphones

External Storage Devices

External storage devices are hardware components that provide additional space for storing files, documents, media, and other types of data.

Common External Storage Devices

  • Hard Disk Drives (HDDs)
  • Solid State Drives (SSDs)
  • Universal Serial Bus (USB) Flash Drives
  • Memory Cards
  • Optical Discs

Networking Devices

Networking devices are hardware components that enable communication, data transfer, and connectivity between computers and other electronic devices on a network.

Common Networking Devices

  • Routers - Connects multiple networks together and directs data packets to their correct destination across networks.
  • Modems - Converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals for transmission over phone or cable lines, and vice versa, to provide internet access.
  • Wireless Access Points (AP) - Provides wireless connectivity, allowing devices to connect to a network via Wi-Fi.
  • Network Adapter -
  • Network Switches - Connects multiple devices within a single network (like a local area network or LAN) and forwards data only to the specific device it is intended for.
  • Firewalls - A security device that monitors and filters incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predefined rules, blocking unauthorized access.
  • Gateways - Connects two different types of networks and translates data between them, allowing for communication between dissimilar systems.
  • Bridge - Connects two different network segments and filters traffic between them based on physical addresses, helping to reduce traffic in larger networks.
  • Hub - A basic device that connects multiple devices in a network by broadcasting incoming data to all connected devices. It is less efficient than a switch because it doesn't direct data specifically.
  • Network Interface Card (NIC) - A hardware component (like an Ethernet card or Wi-Fi card) in a computer that allows it to connect to a network.