Peripherals Glossary: Key Tech Terms
Welcome to our Peripherals Glossary! This guide is designed to help English learners expand their English vocabulary with essential tech terms related to computer hardware. Understanding these terms is crucial in today's digital world. We'll explore common computer peripherals, making language learning in this specific field easier. Let's dive into the key vocabulary you need to know.
Table of Contents
What is Peripherals Glossary?
This section of our Peripherals Glossary aims to expand your understanding of essential computer peripherals. Knowing these terms is crucial for anyone using technology, and this guide acts as your go-to Peripherals Glossary. A peripheral is an auxiliary device connected to a computer to enhance its capabilities. We will explore various input devices, output devices, and storage devices, offering clear definitions and practical peripheral examples. Mastering this vocabulary will significantly aid your comprehension of common computer words and tech discussions.
| Vocabulary | Part of Speech | Simple Definition | Example Sentence(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Peripheral | Noun | An external hardware device that connects to a computer system to add functionality or support input/output operations. | A printer is a common peripheral used for printing documents, while a webcam is a peripheral for video input. |
| Keyboard | Noun | An input device featuring an arrangement of buttons or keys, used to enter characters and commands into a computer. | I need a new keyboard because some keys are sticking, making typing difficult. |
| Mouse | Noun | A handheld pointing input device that detects two-dimensional motion relative to a surface, used to control the cursor on a screen. | She skillfully moved the mouse to click on the tiny icon and open the application. |
| Monitor | Noun | An output device that displays visual information, such as text and graphics, generated by a computer. | My monitor is too small for detailed graphic design work; I need a larger one for better viewing clarity. |
| Printer | Noun | An output device that produces a hard copy (permanent human-readable text and/or graphics) of documents stored in electronic form. | We need to buy more ink for the printer before we can print the report. |
| Scanner | Noun | An input device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object and converts it to a digital image. | He used the scanner to digitize old family photographs and preserve them. |
| Webcam | Noun | A video camera that feeds or streams its image in real time to or through a computer to a computer network. | My laptop has a built-in webcam which I use for video conferencing with colleagues. |
| Microphone | Noun | An input device, also known as a mic, that converts sound waves into an electrical signal to be processed by a computer. | Please speak clearly into the microphone during the online presentation for optimal audio quality. |
| Speakers | Noun (plural) | Output devices that convert electrical audio signals into sound, allowing users to hear audio from their computer. | The new computer speakers provide excellent surround sound for movies. |
| Headphones | Noun (plural) | A pair of small loudspeaker drivers worn on or around the head over a user's ears for private audio listening. | I use noise-cancelling headphones to listen to music and focus while working in a busy office. |
| USB Drive | Noun | A portable data storage device that includes flash memory with an integrated Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface. | I saved my presentation on a USB drive so I can easily take it to the conference. |
| External Hard Drive | Noun | A portable storage device, usually connected via USB or Thunderbolt, offering larger storage capacity than USB flash drives for backups or large files. | I back up all my important work files and photos on an external hard drive every week. |
| Router | Noun | A networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks, creating and managing a local area network (LAN). | You need to restart the router if your home Wi-Fi isn't working correctly. |
| Port | Noun | A physical docking point or connection interface on a computer or peripheral device used to connect other devices. | This modern laptop has three USB-C ports for connecting various peripherals and charging. |
| Driver | Noun | System software that allows the computer's operating system to communicate with and control a specific hardware device. | You may need to download and install an updated driver for your new graphics card to ensure optimal performance. |
More: Servers Glossary Key Terms and Definitions
Common Phrases Used
Understanding individual words from any Peripherals Glossary is important, but knowing how they are used in common phrases is key for fluency. This section focuses on practical expressions related to connecting peripherals and using them. These phrases will help you communicate more effectively about computer hardware and troubleshoot common issues.
| Phrase | Usage Explanation | Example Sentence(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Plug and Play | Describes devices that are designed to start working as soon as they are physically connected to a computer, without requiring manual driver installation or configuration by the user. | Most modern USB mouses and keyboards are plug and play, so you don't need to install any special software to use them immediately. |
| Connect the peripheral to... | A common instruction phrase used when guiding someone to physically attach an external device to a specific port or input on a computer or another device. | Please connect the peripheral to the blue USB 3.0 port on the back of the PC for faster data transfer. |
| Install the driver for... | Refers to the essential process of setting up the specific software program that allows the computer's operating system to communicate with and control a newly added peripheral. | You might need to install the driver for the new high-resolution printer from the manufacturer's website before you can use all its features. |
| Is the device compatible with...? | A question used to check if a particular peripheral will function correctly and without issues with a specific computer, operating system, or other hardware components. | Is the device compatible with my older Mac operating system, or do I need an adapter? |
| Troubleshoot a peripheral | The systematic process of identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems or malfunctions with an external hardware device connected to a computer. | I need to troubleshoot a peripheral because my wireless scanner isn't being detected by the computer anymore. |
| Eject the USB drive safely | The recommended software-based procedure for unmounting or disconnecting a USB storage device (like a flash drive or external hard drive) from the computer to prevent data loss or corruption before physically unplugging it. | Always remember to eject the USB drive safely using the system tray icon before unplugging it to protect your files. |
| Set as default printer/speaker | To configure the operating system to automatically use a specific printer for all print jobs or a particular audio device for all sound output, unless otherwise specified. | Can you show me how to set as default printer this new color laser printer we just installed in the office? |
More: Operating Systems Glossary Key Terms and Definitions Explained
Conclusion
Mastering the vocabulary in this Peripherals Glossary is a significant step in your language learning journey, especially if you're interested in technology. These tech terms and phrases will boost your confidence when discussing or working with computers. Keep practicing, and soon these common computer words will become a natural part of your English vocabulary. Good luck as you continue to learn English!