1.USB Hubs: Expanding Connectivity Through a Single Port A USB hub is a device that expands one USB port into multiple ports, allowing several peripherals to connect to a computer simultaneously. It acts as a central point for keyboards, mice, printers, storage devices, and other accessories, making it essential for modern computing where devices often outnumber available ports. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features USB hubs vary in design but share common elements: 4.Types of USB Hubs Type Description Bus-Powered Hub Draws power directly from the computer; portable but limited for high-power devices. Self-Powered Hub Uses external power adapter; supports multiple high-power peripherals. USB 2.0 Hub Standard hubs with 480 Mbps transfer speed; still common for basic devices. USB 3.0/3.1 Hub...
1.Optical Drives: Reading and Writing with Light An optical drive is a computer hardware device that reads and writes data using laser light on optical discs such as CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. For decades, optical drives were the primary medium for distributing software, music, movies, and backups, bridging the gap between digital storage and physical media. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Optical drives rely on precise laser technology: 4.Types of Optical Drives Type Description CD-ROM Drive Reads data from CDs; common in early PCs. CD-R/CD-RW Drive Allows recording and rewriting CDs. DVD-ROM Drive Reads DVDs; higher capacity than CDs. DVD±R/RW Drive Records and rewrites DVDs. Blu-ray Drive Supports HD/4K content; very high capacity. Combo Drive Reads/writes multiple formats (CD,...
1.Card Readers: Bridging Memory Cards and Computers A card reader is an input/output device that allows computers to access data stored on memory cards, such as SD, microSD, CF, or other formats. It acts as a bridge between portable storage media and computing systems, enabling quick transfer of photos, videos, and files. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Card readers are designed for compatibility and convenience: 4.Types of Card Readers Type Description Single-Format Reader Supports only one type of card (e.g., SD). Multi-Format Reader Supports multiple card types (SD, microSD, CF, MS, etc.). Internal Reader Built into laptops, desktops, or printers. External Reader Portable, connects via USB; widely used for cameras and drones. Professional Reader High-speed readers for photographers and videographers,...
1.External Hard Drives: Expanding Storage Beyond the Computer An external hard drive is a portable storage device that connects to a computer via USB, Thunderbolt, or other interfaces. It provides additional capacity for data storage, backup, and transfer, making it an essential tool for both personal and professional computing. Unlike internal drives, external hard drives are removable and can be used across multiple devices. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features External hard drives combine storage technology with protective casing and connectivity: 4.Types of External Hard Drives Type Description Portable HDD Small, powered via USB; affordable, large capacity, slower speeds. Portable SSD Compact, fast, shock-resistant; ideal for professionals needing speed. Desktop External Drive Larger, requires external power; very high capacity for backups....
1.USB Flash Drives: Portable Storage for the Digital Age A USB flash drive (also known as a thumb drive, pen drive, or memory stick) is a small, portable storage device that uses flash memory and connects to computers via a USB port. It revolutionized data portability by replacing floppy disks and CDs with a compact, durable, and high-capacity solution. 2.Invention of the USB Flash Drive 3.Historical Background 4.Architecture and Features USB flash drives are built for portability and ease of use: 5.Types of USB Flash Drives Type Description Standard USB-A Traditional connector, widely compatible with desktops and laptops. USB-C Flash Drive Modern connector, reversible, faster speeds, works with new laptops/phones. Dual USB Drive Features both USB-A and USB-C/micro-USB for cross-device...
1.Projectors: Expanding Digital Images into Shared Visuals A projector is an output device that takes digital or analog signals from a computer or other source and projects them as large-scale images onto a screen or surface. Unlike monitors or televisions, projectors are designed for group viewing, making them essential in classrooms, offices, theaters, and entertainment spaces. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Modern projectors combine optics, electronics, and light sources to deliver clear, bright images. 4.Types of Projectors Type Description LCD Projector Uses liquid crystal display panels; good color accuracy, common in classrooms and offices. DLP Projector Uses tiny mirrors to reflect light; compact, high contrast, popular for portable and home use. LCoS Projector Combines LCD and reflective technology; delivers very...
1.Headphones: Personal Audio for Computing Headphones are audio output devices worn over or in the ears, designed to deliver sound directly to the user. Unlike speakers, which project sound into the environment, headphones provide a private listening experience. They are essential for music, gaming, communication, and professional audio work, making them one of the most widely used computer peripherals today. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Headphones vary in design but share common components: 4.Types of Headphones Type Description Over-Ear Large ear cups that cover the ears; comfortable and immersive. On-Ear Rest on the ears; lighter and portable. In-Ear (Earbuds) Compact, inserted into the ear canal; highly portable. Wireless Bluetooth-enabled; convenient for mobility. Noise-Canceling Use ANC technology to reduce ambient noise....
1.Printers: Turning Digital Information into Physical Output A printer is a peripheral device that produces a hard copy of digital documents, images, or graphics. Printers bridge the gap between the digital and physical worlds, enabling users to create tangible records of their work. Unlike monitors or speakers, which provide visual and auditory output, printers deliver information in a permanent, physical form — on paper or even as 3D objects. 2.Historical Background 3.Types of Printers Type Description Dot-Matrix Printer Uses pins and ink ribbons; durable but low resolution. Inkjet Printer Sprays liquid ink directly onto paper; high-quality, affordable, common in homes. Laser Printer Uses toner powder and laser technology; fast, precise, ideal for offices. Thermal Printer Applies heat to special paper;...
1.Speakers: Bringing Sound to Computing A speaker is an output device that converts electrical signals into audible sound. In computing, speakers allow users to hear audio from applications, games, videos, and communication tools. They transform digital information into a sensory experience, making computers not only visual but also auditory machines. This idea is beautifully captured in a famous line from the Hong Kong film Infernal Affairs (2002): “Highs are sweet, mids are accurate, lows are deep — in short, the sound is transparent.” (Original Chinese: 高音甜，中音准，低音沉，总之一句话，就是通透). 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Speakers vary widely in design, but most share common components: 4.Trends and Future Outlook
1.Monitors: The Visual Interface of Computing A monitor is the primary output device of a computer, displaying information in visual form. It allows users to interact with software through graphical interfaces, making computing accessible and intuitive. From bulky cathode-ray tube (CRT) displays to sleek high-resolution flat panels, monitors have evolved alongside computers to deliver sharper, faster, and more immersive visuals. 2.Historical Background 3.Architecture and Features Modern monitors are designed to balance clarity, speed, and ergonomics. 4.Real-World Example: Dell UltraSharp U3223QE 5.Types of Monitors Type Description Standard LCD Affordable, general-purpose displays for everyday computing. Gaming Monitor High refresh rates (144–240 Hz), adaptive sync (G-Sync/FreeSync). Professional Monitor High color accuracy for design, photography, and video editing. Ultrawide Monitor Extended aspect ratio for...
A capture card is a device that records or streams video and audio from an external source (like a gaming console, camera, or another computer) into your PC. It’s widely used for live streaming, video production, and gameplay recording. 🔎1. What is a Capture Card? A capture card acts as a bridge between a video source and your computer. It takes the HDMI (or other video signal) from a console, camera, or DVD player, converts it into a digital format, and sends it to your PC via USB or PCIe. This allows you to record or broadcast high-quality video without relying on your computer’s built-in screen recording. ⚙️ 2. Key Features 🎮 3. Common Uses 📌 4. Example Products ⚠️...
A stylus is a pen‑like input device used to write, draw, or interact directly with a computer screen, graphics tablet, or touchscreen. It allows precise control compared to a finger, especially for design, handwriting, and art applications. Stylus — Computer Input Device
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