What is the difference between a router and a modem? Answer: Routers and modems are two of the most common computer peripherals, yet many people do not know the function of each one. While the two devices may look similar, they each serve a different purpose. Fortunately, the functions of the two devices are pretty easy to understand., Try Third-Party Peripherals December 2020 — Tip of the Month Most desktop computers come with a standard keyboard and mouse. They get you up and running, but they are usually basic, no-frills input devices. If you use your computer on a daily basis, it might be worth investing in a third-party keyboard and mouse., Most external computer mics are digital, plug-and-play peripherals that you can connect to a standard USB port. In most cases, your system (Mac or Windows) will recognize the mic as a "sound input" device when attached., A warm boot is typically initiated from the operating system, rather than pressing a button on the computer itself. For example, to perform a warm boot on a Windows system, you may select Shut Down → Restart from the Start Menu. In Windows 8, you can open the Charms bar and select Settings → Power → Restart to reboot the computer., The internal hardware parts of a computer are often referred to as components, while external hardware devices are usually called peripherals. Together, they all fall under the category of computer hardware. Software, on the other hand, consists of the programs and applications that run on computers., This is the technical term that refers to the box that houses your computer. The system unit refers to the computer itself but does not include the monitor, the keyboard, the mouse, or any other peripherals..