COMPUTER HARDWARE — Identifying peripherals Which term best describes hardware devices that are not part of the core computer (CPU, motherboard, RAM) and are often added later, such as printers or scanners?

Introduction / Context:
PC systems are built around a core and extended with external devices. Being able to categorize devices correctly helps with troubleshooting, purchasing, and configuring drivers.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Devices considered: printers, scanners, webcams, external drives, keyboards, mice.
• We seek the umbrella term for such devices.
• Terms like “clip art” or “execute” are clearly unrelated to hardware classification.

Concept / Approach:
Peripherals are external or auxiliary devices that connect to the core computer system to provide input, output, or storage. They attach via USB, HDMI, Bluetooth, or network interfaces. Examples include monitors (output), keyboards (input), and external SSDs (storage).

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify role: not central processing but input/output/auxiliary.Match role to the standardized term → peripheral.Exclude unrelated words (clip art, highlight) and verbs (execute).

Verification / Alternative check:
Operating systems use “device manager” categories including “peripherals.” Manufacturers market “PC peripherals” as accessories.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Clip art — collection of images, not hardware.Highlight/Execute — software actions, not device categories.Kernel — the core of an OS software component, not external hardware.

Common Pitfalls:
Assuming “peripheral” implies low importance; many peripherals (e.g., storage arrays, medical devices) are mission-critical despite being external.

Final Answer:
Peripheral