What is external?

External refers to something that is outside or separate from a particular system, device, or program. It can refer to external hardware devices, external storage, external connectivity options, and external factors that influence or interact with a given system.

What are external devices?

External devices are peripheral devices that are connected to a computer or other devices externally, usually through universal serial bus (USB), Thunderbolt™, or other ports. Examples of external devices include external hard drives, printers, scanners, webcams, keyboards, and mice.

How does an external hard drive work?

An external hard drive is a portable storage device that connects to a computer using a universal serial bus (USB) or Thunderbolt™ cable. It functions similar to an internal hard drive, providing extra storage space for files, documents, photos, and videos. You can transfer data to and from the external hard drive, making it a convenient backup option or a way to carry your files with you.

Can I use an external monitor with my laptop?

Yes, you can use an external monitor with your laptop. Most laptops come equipped with video output ports, such as HDMI or video graphics array (VGA), that allow you to connect to an external monitor. This can be useful when you need a larger screen or want to extend your workspace. Simply connect the monitor to your laptop using the appropriate cable, and you should be able to use it as a second screen.

What is an external internet protocol (IP) address?

An external IP address is a unique identifier assigned to a device on a network that is visible to the outside world. It is the address that other devices on the internet use to communicate with your device. An external IP address is provided by your internet service provider (ISP) and can change over time, especially for residential internet connections.

How can I find my external internet protocol (IP) address?

To find your external IP address, you can visit websites such as "WhatIsMyIP.com" or "IPChicken.com". These websites will display your current external IP address. Additionally, you can use the command prompt and type "ipconfig" on Windows or "ifconfig" on Linux® to view your IP configuration, which includes your external IP address.

What is an external link in web development?

In web development, an external link refers to a hyperlink that points to a website or web page outside of the current website or domain. When clicked, it takes the user to a different website. These links are typically denoted by an underline and a different text color to distinguish them from internal links within the same website.

How can external application programming interface (API) data transmission security be ensured?

To ensure data security, use hypertext transfer protocol secure (HTTPS) for API communication to encrypt the data in transit. Additionally, verify that the API provider follows industry-standard security practices, such as secure authentication mechanisms and proper handling of sensitive data.

Can I connect multiple external monitors to my computer?

Yes, depending on your computer's graphics card and available ports, you can connect multiple external monitors. This allows for an extended desktop setup, providing more screen real estate and enhancing multitasking capabilities.

How does an external global positioning system (GPS) module work with smartphone?

An external GPS module connects to a smartphone via Bluetooth® or USB and provides more accurate positioning information. It utilizes satellite signals to determine the device's location, offering improved accuracy compared to the smartphone's built-in GPS.

Can an external graphics card enhance (eGPU) gaming performance on a laptop?

Yes, an eGPU can significantly enhance gaming performance on a laptop by providing more powerful graphics processing capabilities. This allows for smoother gameplay, higher resolutions, and the ability to run graphically demanding games that the integrated GPU may struggle with.

How do universal serial bus (USB) flash drives assist with data backup?

External storage devices offer a convenient way to back up important data from your computer or other devices. USB flash drives, for example, allow you to easily transfer and store files, ensuring that you have a backup copy in case of hardware failure or data loss.

How do external noise-canceling headphones work?

External noise-canceling headphones use built-in microphones to detect ambient sounds. They then generate inverse sound waves to cancel out or reduce the external noise, allowing the listener to enjoy a more immersive audio experience without interference.

Can external electromagnetic interference (EMI) affect electronic devices?

Yes, external EMI can disrupt the functioning of electronic devices. Sources of EMI include power lines, motors, radio transmitters, or other electronic devices in close proximity. Proper shielding and grounding techniques are used to minimize the impact of EMI.

Do external magnetic fields impact magnetic storage devices' functionality?

Yes, strong external magnetic fields can interfere with the magnetic data stored on hard drives or other magnetic storage devices, potentially causing data corruption or loss. It is important to keep magnetic storage devices away from powerful magnets or other magnetic sources.

Can external factors like magnetic fields affect the accuracy of compasses?

Yes, magnetic fields generated by nearby objects or electrical equipment can interfere with the accuracy of compasses. It is important to keep compasses away from sources of magnetic fields to ensure reliable navigation and direction finding.

Can external factors like temperature affect accuracy of global positioning system (GPS) devices?

Yes, temperature can impact the accuracy of GPS devices. Extreme temperature variations may affect the internal components and the stability of the device's clock, potentially leading to inaccuracies in positioning data. GPS devices are designed to compensate for temperature effects, but extreme conditions can still impact performance.

Can external factors like humidity affect the performance of 3D printers?

Yes, humidity can impact the performance of 3D printers, especially those that use filament materials like acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) or nylon. High humidity can cause filament absorption of moisture, leading to print quality issues such as warping, poor adhesion, or filament clogging. Proper storage and filament drying techniques are necessary to maintain optimal printing conditions.

How do external factors affect the performance of fingerprint scanners?

Humidity can affect the performance of fingerprint scanners by causing moisture on the surface of the skin. Excessive moisture can make it difficult for the scanner to accurately read fingerprints, leading to authentication failures. Proper calibration and regular cleaning of the scanner can help maintain optimal performance.