Catalog / Computer Peripherals Cheatsheet
Computer Peripherals Cheatsheet
A quick reference guide to common computer peripherals, their functions, and key specifications. This cheatsheet covers input devices, output devices, storage devices, and communication interfaces.
Input Devices
Keyboards
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QWERTY |
Most common layout; inefficient for speed. |
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DVORAK |
Optimized for faster typing speeds by placing common letters on the home row. |
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Membrane Keyboard |
Uses pressure pads; inexpensive but less tactile feedback. |
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Mechanical Keyboard |
Uses individual mechanical switches; durable with better tactile feedback. |
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Wireless Keyboard |
Connects via Bluetooth or radio frequency (RF). |
Pointing Devices
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Mouse |
Optical or laser; used for cursor control. DPI (Dots Per Inch): Sensitivity measure. |
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Trackball |
Stationary device with a ball; requires less desk space. |
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Touchpad |
Integrated into laptops; uses finger gestures for control. |
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Touchscreen |
Allows direct interaction with the display. |
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Stylus |
Pen-like device for precise input on touchscreens or graphic tablets. |
Other Input Devices
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Microphone |
Converts sound into an electrical signal. |
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Webcam |
Captures video and images. |
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Scanner |
Digitizes documents and images. |
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Barcode Reader |
Reads barcodes for product identification. |
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MIDI Controller |
Musical Instrument Digital Interface; used for music production. |
Output Devices
Display Devices
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LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) |
Common in laptops and monitors; uses liquid crystals to display images. |
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LED (Light Emitting Diode) |
Backlit LCDs; energy-efficient and brighter. |
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OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode) |
Emits light directly; better contrast and viewing angles. |
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Projector |
Projects images onto a screen or surface. |
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Resolution |
Number of pixels (e.g., 1920x1080 - Full HD). |
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Refresh Rate |
Frequency at which the image is updated (e.g., 60Hz, 144Hz). |
Audio Output
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Speakers |
Produce sound from electrical signals. |
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Headphones/Earphones |
Personal audio output devices. |
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Sound Card |
Processes audio signals for output. |
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DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter) |
Converts digital audio signals to analog. |
Printers
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Inkjet Printer |
Sprays ink onto paper; suitable for photos and color documents. |
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Laser Printer |
Uses toner and a laser to create images; faster and more efficient for text documents. |
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3D Printer |
Creates three-dimensional objects from digital designs. |
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Thermal Printer |
Uses heat to create images on special paper; common in receipts. |
Storage Devices
Internal Storage
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HDD (Hard Disk Drive) |
Mechanical storage; higher capacity but slower. |
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SSD (Solid State Drive) |
Flash memory; faster and more durable than HDDs. |
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NVMe SSD |
High-performance SSD that connects directly to the PCIe bus. |
External Storage
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USB Flash Drive |
Portable flash memory storage. |
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External HDD/SSD |
External versions of internal drives. |
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SD Card |
Secure Digital; used in cameras and mobile devices. |
Optical Storage
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CD (Compact Disc) |
Stores up to 700MB. |
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DVD (Digital Versatile Disc) |
Stores up to 4.7GB (single-layer) or 8.5GB (dual-layer). |
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Blu-ray Disc |
Stores up to 25GB (single-layer) or 50GB (dual-layer). |
Communication Interfaces
Wired Interfaces
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USB (Universal Serial Bus) |
Connects various peripherals; different versions (USB 2.0, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, USB4) with varying speeds. |
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HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) |
Connects displays and audio devices; transmits both video and audio signals. |
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DisplayPort |
Alternative to HDMI; commonly used for connecting high-end graphics cards to monitors. |
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Ethernet (RJ45) |
Connects to a network; provides wired internet access. |
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Audio Jacks (3.5mm) |
Connects headphones and microphones. |
Wireless Interfaces
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Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) |
Connects to wireless networks; different standards (802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax) with varying speeds and ranges. |
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Bluetooth |
Connects short-range wireless devices; used for headphones, keyboards, and mice. |
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NFC (Near Field Communication) |
Enables short-range communication; used for mobile payments and data transfer. |