A Peripheral is any device that provides input and output that enhances a computer to give it more functionality. Peripherals aren't necessary for a computer to function, but are commonly used to achieve basic tasks. The majority of tasks people do on the computer are with the help of a peripheral.
There are three kinds of peripherals: input devices, output devices, and storage devices.
Input devices are used to change incoming data in a form for the computer to easily use it. Input devices include trackpads, mice, keyboards, microphones, webcams, and digital camera's.
Output devices have the opposite tasks input devices have, and translate computer-processing languages to the common computer-using person. Printers, loudspeakers, and headphones are common output devices we use today.
Auxiliary storage devices have characteristics from both input and output devices. CD-ROM, DVD flash memory drives, and external disk drives are all also input/output devices.
This peripheral device is a mouse.
Some might think that keyboards and mice are necessities for a computer to function, but they are actually not. These two devices are considered peripherals because a computer does have the ability to function without them. Computers can be managed remotely, meaning the computer itself doesn't need to have a keyboard and mouse attached to it.
Devices such as smartphones, tablets, fitness trackers, and smart watches are sometimes considered to be peripherals. Even though some of these devices can completely function independently, they are still considered to be a peripheral. This article will take you to a more in-depth list of peripherals.
Each peripheral device has its own history, because they were all invented at different times. The keyboard, invented in the 1970's, originated from the typewriter, which was invented in the 1860's. It was invented because typewriters were getting jammed and the functionality was decreasing. Monitor screens were first invented for computers in the 1980's and 1990's. Douglas Englebert developed the first computer mouse in 1964 made out of wood, a circuit board, and two metal wheels. His original creation was added upon to eventually create the optical mouse just before the turn of the century, which is still commonly used today. You can read about the history of the printer here.
A computer with common peripherals: a keyboard, mouse, and printer.
If you are interested in purchasing a peripheral, press here. The next step after purchasing a peripheral device for your computer is finding out how to properly plug it in. A peripheral can be connected using a universal serial bus (USB port), serial port, parallel port, specialized network card, or Ethernet network.
Some peripheral devices come with a computer when you purchase it. If you buy a laptop, the keyboard, trackpad, sound card, and monitor. The only peripheral device a laptop normally comes with in the box is a power plug. Without peripherals, the way you use your computer today would be completely different. The computer itself has come a long way in its development, and peripheral devices are just added bonus devices that are important and helpful when navigating and utilizing the computer.
If you are interested in devices that aren't peripherals, but other devices in the computer, here is an article about the RAM and the Power Supply.
Sources:
https://www.britannica.com/technology/input-output-device
https://www.computerhope.com/jargon/p/peripher.htm
https://www.techwalla.com/articles/what-are-computer-peripherals
http://techattitude.com/computers-and-internet/the-history-of-computer-peripherals/