A computing device is any type of hardware device that can be connected to a computer with the use of some type of cable and that is designed to perform specific tasks. As with most device types, these devices are stand-alone and are not intended for upgrades or repairs by the end user. To function properly, the device must have a connection to a power source and also to the computer system’s hard drive. Once these connections are made, the computing device can be used to perform any task or tasks for which it was designed.
An external hard drive.
A common example of a computing device is an external hard drive. This particular device provides features that make it possible to manage software applications that could not run on the computer’s internal hard drive. Users with older systems who wish to increase capacity rather than purchase a new system will often find that this type of computing device allows them to enjoy the use of newer programs without having to upgrade the base system.
Computing devices may include a printer.
Another common example of a computer device is the simple computer printer. Typically powered by plugging the device into a power outlet and using a USB cable to connect the printer to a computer’s hard drive, the printer is capable of receiving data from the system and printing various types of documents. Software is usually required to ensure that the printer is recognized by the computer or network that the printer is connected to in order to manage print jobs.
Scanners are another type of computing device that allow you to scan documents and create images that are transmitted and stored on your hard drive. Software is usually required to enable the scanner to be recognized by the hard drive and to ensure that images are saved in a format that can be easily read by other programs residing on the hard drive. There are even fax machines that can be connected directly to a hard drive and used to send and receive documents with ease.
While a computer device once required some type of cable to connect to a computer’s hard drive, this is no longer the case. Many designs today allow the use of wireless connectivity to the computer, although most still require a wired connection to some kind of power source, or at least the use of an internal battery that needs to be charged from time to time. A variety of devices can be purchased at virtually any retailer that offers desktop and laptop systems.
Many modern computing devices connect via USB.
