A port is a physical docking point using which an external device can be connected to the computer. It can also be programmatic docking point through which information flows from a program to the computer or over the Internet.
A port has the following characteristics −
Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse. Slots are normal C functions and can be called normally; their only special feature is that signals can be connected to them. Since slots are normal member functions, they follow the normal C rules when called directly. However, as slots, they can be invoked by any component, regardless of its access level, via a signal-slot connection.
External devices are connected to a computer using cables and ports.
Ports are slots on the motherboard into which a cable of external device is plugged in.
Examples of external devices attached via ports are the mouse, keyboard, monitor, microphone, speakers, etc.
Let us now discuss a few important types of ports −
Used for external modems and older computer mouse
Two versions: 9 pin, 25 pin model
Data travels at 115 kilobits per second
Used for scanners and printers
Also called printer port
25 pin model
IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port
Used for old computer keyboard and mouse
Also called mouse port
Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 port, each for the mouse and keyboard
IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port
It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc.
It was introduced in 1997.
Most of the computers provide two USB ports as minimum.
Data travels at 12 megabits per seconds.
USB compliant devices can get power from a USB port.
Connects monitor to a computer's video card.
It has 15 holes.
Similar to the serial port connector. However, serial port connector has pins, VGA port has holes.
Three-pronged plug.
Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar or wall socket.
Transfers large amount of data at very fast speed.
Connects camcorders and video equipment to the computer.
Data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per seconds.
Invented by Apple.
It has three variants: 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector, and 9-Pin FireWire 800 connector.
Connects to a network and high speed Internet.
Connects the network cable to a computer.
This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per seconds depending upon the network bandwidth.
Connect a joystick to a PC
Now replaced by USB
Connects Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's high-end video graphic cards.
Very popular among video card manufacturers.
Sockets connect the microphone and speakers to the sound card of the computer.
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Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports, and slots you see. Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at least 10, and maybe a lot more.
Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.
Watch the video below to learn about the buttons, ports, and slots on a desktop computer.
Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the front of a computer.
The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special connectors for specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you determine which port is used with a particular device.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the back of a computer.
There are many other types of ports, such as FireWire, Thunderbolt, and HDMI. If your computer has ports you don't recognize, you should consult your manual for more information.
Now you try it! Practice connecting the cables with the interactive game below.
The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you can plug many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These devices are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.
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