Final answer:
Peripheral devices like read/write disks, thumb drives, and external hard drives are used for storage purposes, making the correct answer 'Storage'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The peripheral devices mentioned in the question, such as read/write disks, thumb drives, and external hard drives, are used for storage purposes.
These devices allow users to save files, documents, and other data that can be accessed later
While these devices are also involved in input/output (I/O) operations, their primary function is to provide a means of storing data. I/O devices, on the other hand, are used for transferring data between a computer and external devices, such as keyboards, printers, and displays.
Therefore, the correct answer is 1) Storage.