Peripheral Devices – JSS1 Computer Hardware & GSM Repair Lesson Note (First Term)

A peripheral device is a piece of hardware that connects to the outside of a computer to put information in, take information out or store it.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define a peripheral device and name its three groups.
2. Name the types of printer and state what each one uses to print.
3. Explain what a scanner does and how it differs from a printer.
4. State three advantages of a flash drive.
5. Connect and remove a USB device safely, step by step.

What are peripheral devices?

Peripheral devices are extra hardware units connected to the computer system unit to add to what it can do.

• Input peripherals: send data into the computer, such as the keyboard, mouse and scanner.
• Output peripherals: bring information out of the computer, such as the monitor, speakers and printer.
• Storage peripherals: keep files outside the computer, such as the flash drive and external hard disk.

What is a printer?

A printer is an output device that puts the work on your screen onto paper.

• Hard copy: the printed paper version of a document or picture.
• Soft copy: the version stored in the computer, which you see on the screen.

What are the types of printer?

There are three common types of printer: inkjet, laser and dot matrix.

• Inkjet printer: sprays liquid ink onto paper. It is good for colourful photos at home.
• Laser printer: uses a special powder called toner. It is very fast and is used in offices and schools to print many pages.
• Dot matrix printer: strikes an inked ribbon with small pins to form dots. It is noisy and is often used for receipts and forms.

Why do we need a printer?

• Assignments: to submit your work on paper.
• Photos: to print pictures of your family.
• Posters: to make notices for school events.

How do you print a document?

1. Switch on the printer and check that it has paper.
2. Open the file on the computer.
3. Click File, then Print.
4. Choose the printer and the number of copies.
5. Click Print and collect the paper from the tray.

What is a scanner?

A scanner is an input device that copies a paper document or photo into the computer.

• Opposite of a printer: a printer moves work from the computer to paper, while a scanner moves work from paper into the computer.
• How it works: you place a photo or document on the glass surface, and the scanner “takes a picture” of it to save on the computer.
• Result: the scanned page is saved as a soft copy, which you can email or post online.
• 3-in-1 machines: many printers today can print, scan and photocopy in one machine.

How do you scan a document?

1. Lift the lid of the scanner.
2. Place the paper face down on the glass.
3. Close the lid gently.
4. Open the scanning program on the computer and click Scan.
5. Save the file and give it a clear name.

What is a flash drive?

A flash drive is a small, portable storage device used to store and move files.

• Other names: USB drive and thumb drive.
• Use: carry assignments from school to home, or keep a spare copy of important files.

Why is a flash drive useful?

• Portability: it is small enough to fit in your pocket or on a keychain.
• Durability: unlike old floppy disks or CDs, it does not break easily if you drop it.
• Capacity: it is tiny, yet it can hold thousands of songs or school projects.

How do you connect a peripheral device to a computer?

Most peripheral devices connect through a USB port, and USB stands for Universal Serial Bus.

• USB port: a small slot on the side or back of the computer.
• Common use: flash drives, printers, scanners, keyboards and mice often use it.

What are the steps to use a peripheral device safely?

1. Locate the port: find the USB slot on the side of your laptop or the back of your desktop.
2. Plug it in: push the connector in gently. If it does not go in, do not force it. It may be upside down.
3. Wait for the computer: it will usually show a message such as “New Hardware Found” or “Device Ready”. The wording can differ between computers.
4. Use the device: open the files or start printing or scanning.
5. Eject safely: before pulling out a flash drive, click “Eject” on the screen so you do not lose your work.

What care rules should you follow?

• No force: never push a connector into a port that resists.
• Keep dry: keep flash drives and printers away from water and dust.
• Pull the plug, not the cable: hold the connector when removing a device.

What is the difference between a printer, a scanner and a flash drive?

The printer is an output device, the scanner is an input device and the flash drive is a storage device.

Evaluation

1. If you have a physical photograph and you want to send it to your friend on Facebook, which device will you use?
2. What is the difference between a “hard copy” and a “soft copy”?
3. True or False: you can use a printer to put music into a computer.
4. Name the three common types of printer.
5. Why should you click “Eject” before removing a flash drive?

Assignment

Draw a table with three columns: Device, Type (input, output or storage) and One use. Fill in the printer, scanner and flash drive, then add the keyboard and monitor.