Accessibility devices
Equipment that allows users with specific needs to access and use the system; for example, to read out data
Bluetooth
Short-range wireless data transmission – e.g. used for connecting speakers and headphones to mobile phones or laptops, or for file sharing.
Flash drive
Portable storage device used for data transfer and storage; connects via USB.
Keyboard
Peripheral that allows letters, numbers, and other characters to be typed into a computer (on-screen version on phones and tablets).
Manual data processing
Data is manipulated by a human, rather than by a machine. It can be error-prone and slow – people who once performed this task all day were called computers.
Microphone
Audio input device, used for VOIP and teleconferencing, and also for voice control of some smart devices, games consoles, and phones.
Monitor
Usually a flat LCD display (sizes vary between desktops, laptops, phones, and specialist applications) used for viewing output, content (web, video, etc.).
Optical disk
A type of storage media (CDs and DVDs and more recently Blu-ray) – plastic with a shiny coating containing the pits and troughs.
Printer
Device for outputting hard copy on paper – mainly laser and inkjet for normal use, plus thermal for receipts and labels, dye-sublimation for ID cards, etc.
Projector
A device that displays a very large image onto a screen or wall using light; often used for displaying presentations and live sport to large audiences.
Screen magnifier
Software or an operating system component that improves visibility for the visually impaired by enlarging sections of the display for extra clarity.
Screen reader
An accessibility feature that narrates the contents of a display for the visually impaired.
Speech recognition
Software that is trained to interpret your voice, allowing documents to be dictated, accessibility, and voice control e.g. Siri, Alexa, and Bixby.
Speaker
Audio output device – built into phones, tablets, laptops, and some desktops, but more powerful versions can be connected via 3.5 mm jack, USB, or optical-out.
SD card
A small, flat storage medium (secure digital) used in video cameras; a smaller ‘micro’ variant is often used for additional storage in mobile devices.
Storage device
A piece of equipment that contains readable or read-write media allowing for data to be written to, and allows later data retrieval.
Storage media
The disk, tape, or memory that data is written to and read from that often fits inside a device, e.g. flash memory and hard drives.
Touchscreen
The main input feature of phones and tablets (and also in some laptops) allowing fingers or a stylus to be used, but is also an accessibility feature.
USB
Common port used to connect peripherals to computers; several generations have developed including ‘mini’, ‘micro’, and ‘C’ variants.
Webcam
Video input device – either built into devices such as laptops, or as a stand-alone peripheral – that allows users to view each other on screen.
