Monitors Monitors started off as boxes not much smaller than a television set, and came in any colour as long as it was beige. Today's monitors are now in sizes from 15"upwards. The shape can be anything that strikes the designer's eye, but the main alternative to a box shape is the flat screen. Laptop computers incorporate a monitor and the basic components of a tower, and speaker, but some incorporate a printer too.

Towers A tower houses all the connections for a computer system. Tower designs are used mainly on stand alone computers, but the hardware contained within can be stored in any shape, and for network computers the tower is usually rotated 90 degrees and used as a base unit. There are receptacles for both floppy and CD discs, with usually spare capacity to attach further drives if required. The first towers came in beige only, but now they can come in a range of colours.

Printers Printers can be front or top loading for stand alone computers, but for heavy duty work to be done in the office, the printer will incorporate a paper loading drawer within. In fact most modern Front loading printers incorporate a scanner and facimile facility, although the main colour available still seems to be the ubiquitous beige

Keyboards Keyboards can be attached to the computer or be wireless. They can be ergonomically designed, with a curvature, or with a wrist rest incorporated within the design. There are also designs for disabled users.

Mouse Mouses (mice?) are usually right handed but left handed ones can be obtained, and wireless ones too. There are all colours now available, and unusual designs.

Peripherals Once the main system is in place, there can be any number of peripherals, such as Scanners, Digital Cameras, Speakers, and MP3players, which can be attached via the ports and sockets to the rear of the tower..