Explanation:
The computer is a machine that would not make sense if it did not communicate with the outside, that is, if it lacked peripherals. So you must have:
Input unit (s), through which one (s) can give you the programs you want to run and the corresponding data.
Output unit (s), with which the computer gives us the results of the programs.
Massive or auxiliary memory, which facilitates its operation and use.
Input / output (I / O) devices transform external information into encoded signals, allowing their transmission, detection, interpretation, processing and storage automatically. The input devices transform the external information (instructions or typed data) according to any of the input / output codes (I / O). Thus the computer receives such information properly prepared (in binary). In an output device the reverse process is performed, the binary information that arrives from the computer is transformed according to the I / O code into written characters intelligible by the user.
It is necessary to distinguish clearly between peripherals of a computer and auxiliary machines of a certain computer service, the auxiliary machines are not physically connected to the computer (its operation is autonomous) and serve to prepare or assist in the preparation or use of the information given to, or produces, the computer. For example, some years ago there were autonomous machines to punch cards, to record magnetic tapes manually through a keyboard, to separate the continuous paper produced by a program through the printer, etc.
Nor should we confuse peripheral with information support. Information support means those physical means on which the information goes. Peripheral units or devices means those elements responsible for transcribing the information to the corresponding support.