Peripheral Devices | CompTIA Tech+ FC0-U71 | 2.4

In this post you will be learning about common peripheral devices such as:  printers, scanners, keyboards, & more, and you’re going to learn how to install them, whether it’s a straightforward plug-and-play setup or a more complex driver installation.

Understanding Peripheral Devices

Before we get into the installation & configuration process, let’s define what peripheral devices are.  Peripherals are external devices that connect to your computer to add capabilities or perform specific tasks.  They can be input devices like keyboards and mice, output devices like printers & speakers, or devices that handle both input and output, like scanners.

Here are some common peripheral devices and their functions:

• Printers:  Output devices that produce hard copies of digital documents, photos, or other content.
• Scanners:  Input devices used to convert physical documents into digital format.
• Keyboards & Mice:  Essential input devices for interacting with your computer.
• Web Cameras (Webcams):  Input devices for capturing video or photos, often used for video calls.
• External Drives:  Storage devices like external hard drives or USB drives used for backup or additional storage.
• Speakers & Headsets:  Output devices for audio, including music, calls, and notifications.
• Displays (Smart TVs, Projectors, Monitors):  Output devices that allow visual display of information from your computer.
• Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS):  Provides backup power to keep your devices running in the event of a power outage.

Installation Types

When installing and configuring these devices, there are two primary installation types to consider:

• Plug-and-Play (PnP) Installation
• Driver Installation

Plug-and-Play Installation

• Modern operating systems like Windows, macOS, & Linux often support plug-and-play devices.
• This means that when you connect a device to the computer, the OS will automatically detect it, locate the appropriate drivers, and set it up for use without any further user intervention.
• Examples include most keyboards, mice, basic printers, and USB storage devices.

Driver Installation

• Some devices require additional drivers to work correctly, especially those with advanced functionality.
• A driver is software that allows the OS to communicate with the hardware device.
• These drivers are usually provided by the device manufacturer and can be downloaded from their website or installed from a disc.
• Installing drivers can involve running a setup program, which configures the device and adds management software for additional settings.

Installing & Configuring Peripherals

Now, let’s walk through the installation & configuration of some common peripherals.

Printers

• Plug-and-Play Printers
  • Many printers today are plug-and-play.  When connected via USB, the OS will detect and install them automatically.
  • For basic use, this installation is usually sufficient.
• Advanced Printer Setup (Network & IP-Based Printers)
  • Network printers require connecting to a wireless or Ethernet network.
  • Go to the Control Panel on Windows or System Preferences on macOS, navigate to “Printers & Scanners”, and select “Add Printer”.
  • For IP-based printers, you may need to manually enter the printer’s IP address during setup.  The printer should come with a manual detailing how to find this information.
  • If the printer supports web-based configuration, access it by typing the printer’s IP address into a web browser to change settings like network preferences or firmware updates.
• Driver Installation for Printers
  • Download the latest drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
  • Run the installation program, which may include additional software for print management and customization of settings, like print quality or paper type.

Scanners

• USB Scanners
  • Most modern scanners are plug-and-play.
  • Once connected, you can use scanning software provided by the OS (like Windows Fax and Scan) or third-party software for more advanced options.
• All-in-One Printer / Scanners
  • If using an all-in-one device, ensure that both printing and scanning drivers are installed.  Often, the software package will install both components.
• Driver Installation for Scanners
  • Advanced scanners, especially those with features like OCR (Optical Character Recognition), may require specific drivers.
  • Visit the manufacturer’s website, download the appropriate drivers, and follow the setup instructions.

Keyboards & Mice

• Plug-and-Play Devices
  • Standard keyboards and mice are often plug-and-play, requiring no additional configuration.
  • For USB or wireless options, simply connect the device, and the OS will detect it automatically.
• Advanced or Customizable Devices
  • Some gaming keyboards or mice, which offer programmable keys, RGB lighting, or other features, require driver installation.
  • Install the software provided by the manufacturer to customize settings.

Web Cameras (Webcams)

• Plug-and-Play Webcams
  • Most modern webcams are plug-and-play, especially if connecting via USB.
  • The OS will automatically detect the webcam and make it available for use in applications like Zoom, Skype, or built-in camera software.
• Driver Installation for Webcams
  • For webcams with advanced features like adjustable resolutions or filters, it’s best to install the driver and additional software provided by the manufacturer for full functionality.

External Drives

• USB Drives & External Hard Drives
  • These devices are typically plug-and-play.  Once connected, they will show up as external storage in your file explorer.
  • External drives can be formatted as needed, depending on the operating system (NTFS for Windows, HFS+ for macOS, etc.).
• Driver Installation
  • Some specialized drives, like external SSDs or RAID configurations, may require driver installation for optimal performance.

Speakers & Headsets

• Basic Audio Devices
  • Basic speakers & headsets that connect via a 3.5mm jack or USB are usually plug-and-play.
  • To configure audio output, go to the Sound Settings on your OS, where you can select the device, adjust volume, and configure input/output settings.
• Bluetooth Devices
  • Bluetooth speakers and headsets need to be paired with the computer.
  • Go to the Bluetooth settings on your OS, ensure the device is in pairing mode, and connect it.
• Advanced Audio Configurations
  • For advanced headsets with surround sound or gaming features, installing the manufacturer’s software is recommended for full access to customization settings.

Displays (Smart TVs, Projectors, Monitors)

• Connecting a Monitor
  • Monitors usually connect via HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA, or USB-C.
  • Most displays are plug-and-play and will be recognized automatically by the OS.  For multi-monitor setups, go to Display Settings to configure resolution, orientation, and position.
• Smart TVs & Projectors
  • Smart TVs and projectors often require a wired connection (HDMI) or wireless casting (Miracast, Chromecast).
  • Once connected, adjust the display settings on both the computer and the display device to ensure proper screen resolution and aspect ratio.
• Driver Installation
  • While most monitors don’t need additional drivers, speciality displays (touchscreen monitors or VR displays) might require them.  Always refer to manufacturer’s guidelines.

Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)

• Purpose of a UPS
  • A UPS provides backup power during a power outage, allowing you to safely shut down your computer.
  • It often includes surge protection to safeguard against power surges.
• Installation & Configuration
  • Connect the UPS to the computer and wall outlet.
  • Install any monitoring software provided by the manufacturer, which allows you to check battery status, set alerts, and configure power-saving options.

Conclusion

To sum up, installing and configuring peripherals depends on the device type and complexity.  While plug-and-play makes setup simple for many devices, others require driver installations or network configurations.  Understanding the setup process for each type of device is crucial for troubleshooting and ensuring that peripherals work correctly with your system.