How does the functionality of peripherals contribute to a computer system?

The functionality of peripherals is crucial as they enable external interaction with the computer. Peripherals refer to devices that are connected to a computer but are not part of the core computer architecture. This includes input devices like keyboards and mice, output devices like monitors and printers, and storage devices such as external hard drives.

By facilitating user interaction with the computer, peripherals allow for a more dynamic and practical use of the system. For example, without input peripherals, users would have no way to send commands or data to the system, while output peripherals are necessary for users to receive feedback from the computer in a usable format. This interactivity enhances the overall user experience and expands the computer's capabilities beyond just processing raw data.

The other choices do not accurately capture the primary role of peripherals. While storage capacity is one function—provided by certain peripherals—the main role encompasses a broader range of interactions with the computer. Managing system resources is primarily handled by the operating system and not the peripherals, and control over processing speeds generally falls within the realm of the computer's internal components, such as the CPU. Thus, peripheral devices are vital for establishing a connection between the user and the computer, which is why the correct answer emphasizes their role in enabling external interaction.