What type of device is a microphone classified as?

A microphone is classified as an input device because its primary function is to capture sound and convert it into an electrical signal that can be processed by a computer or other recording equipment. Input devices facilitate the entry of data and information into a system, which is exactly what a microphone does by allowing sound waves, typically from a voice or other audio source, to be recorded or transmitted.

To clarify, while microphones can indeed be considered peripheral devices—since they connect externally to a computer or audio interface—the more precise classification related to their function is as an input device. Output devices, on the other hand, are those that convey information from the computer to the user, such as printers and monitors, while storage devices are used to save data for future use, like hard drives and flash drives.