What are typically defined as external devices connected to a computer?

Peripherals are devices that are connected to a computer but are not part of the core computer architecture or internal components. This category includes input devices like keyboards and mice, output devices such as printers and monitors, and other hardware like external hard drives and webcams. These devices expand the functionality of a computer by allowing interaction and data exchange outside of the internal system.

Internal hardware components refer to essential parts of the computer, such as the motherboard, CPU, and RAM, which reside inside the computer casing. Network connections, while critical for internet access and communication between devices, do not fit the definition of "external devices" as they pertain more to data transmission rather than physical hardware. Software applications are programs run by the computer and do not fall under the category of external devices either, as they consist of code rather than physical hardware. Therefore, peripherals distinctly represent the correct category of external devices connected to a computer.