User:Jwmh/Class Drafts/Module:needed peripherals

Module on Hardware: Connecting up the (external) parts [of | to operate] a computer
Everything is optional. However, you might have a hard time using the computer without these!

Each separate device needs its own power. Most devices have both their own power *and* a data cable -- one is to give them electricity (so they work); the other is so they can actually talk to the computer (or like with speakers, the computer needs to send sound to them).

Laptops: Almost everything is built-in.
 * The only separate part is the AC power adapter.
 * This sometimes/often is split into two pieces, so as not to wear the cord out when it's rolled up.
 * You can also hook up other devices to a laptop -- like an extra monitor, or projector, or extra speakers -- but it's usually not necessary if you're just using it by yourself. (Most laptops have decent speakers built-in.)

Desktops:
 * There's the computer / tower itself (+ its power cable)
 * The monitor (the computer will run just fine by itself -- but without the monitor, you can't see anything!) (two cables: 1 data + 1 power)
 * Keyboard (you need this to operate the computer!) (no extra wall-power -- it just plugs straight into the computer)
 * Mouse (in theory, you *can* use only a keyboard to operate a computer... but it's very cumbersome, especially if you're online / surfing the internet.) (no extra cables; data/power on same one, straight into computer)
 * Speakers (some computers have speakers built-inside, but external speakers are almost always better) (audio+power)

L+D:
 * Ethernet (network) cable; lets you get on the internet (just a cable -- one end into computer; other end into your internet connection)
 * laptops can use wifi, but a cable is the best option.... (don't get too advanced here, leave it at that for now) (advanced info: the wifi antenna is built into laptops)
 * can link later from here to Networking module...

Others: There are many other things you can connect to a computer -- like printers, for instance -- but these are the device and cables you need, just to be able to *use* a computer.