A computer is a device that transforms data into meaningful information. It processes the input according to the set of instructions provided to it by the user and gives the desired output. As we know that we can connect multiple external devices with the computer system. Now, these devices are connected with the computer using Ports. The ports are the physical docking points present in the computer through which the external devices are connected using cables. Or in other words, a port is an interface between the motherboard and an external device of the computer. There are different types of ports available:
Now let us discuss these ports one by one: 1. Seria rt(COM Port):A serial port is also called a communication port and they are used for connection of external devices like a modem, mouse, or keyboard (basically in older PCs). Serial cables are cheaper to make in comparison to parallel cables and they are easier to shield from interference. There are two versions of it, which are 9 pin model and 25 pin model. It transmits data at 115 KB/sec. 2. Parallel Port (LPT ports): Parallel ports are generally used for connecting scanners and printers. It can send several bits at the same time as it uses parallel communication. Its data transfer speed is much higher in comparison with the serial port. It is a 25 pin model. It is also known as Printer Port or Line Printer Port. 3. USB (Universal Serial Bus): In 1997 USB was first introduced. This can connect all kinds of external USB devices, like external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc. There are minimum of two USB Ports provided in most of the computer systems. It is a kind of new type serial connection Port that is much faster than the old serial Ports and These USB Ports are much smarter and more versatile, as it allows the “daisy chaining” of up to 127 USB peripherals connected to one port. The data transfer rate in this is Data12 megabits per second. It also provides plug & plays communication. 4. PS/2 Port: PS/2 ports are special ports used for connecting old computer keyboard and mouse. It was invented by IBM. In old computers, there are minimum of two PS/2 Ports, each for the keyboard and the mouse. It is a 6 pin mini Din connector. 5. VGA Port: VGA ports also known as Video Graphic Array connector are those which connect the monitor to a computer’s video card. VGA port has 15 holes and it is similar to the serial port connector. But VGA Ports have holes in it and the serial port connector has pins in it. 6. Sockets: Microphones and speakers are connected with the help of Sockets to the sound card of the computer. 7. FireWire Port: The IEEE 1394 interface, which is developed in the late 1980s and early 1990s by Apple as FireWire. It can transfer large amount of data at very high speed. It is used to connect camcorders and video equipment to the computer. It comes up with three variants which are 4-Pin FireWire 400 connector, 6-Pin FireWire 400 connector, and 9-Pin FireWire 800 connector. 8. Infrared Port: An Infrared(IR) port is used to sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. It is a kind of wireless type port with a limited range of 5-10ft. 9. Game Port: These ports are used previously to connect a joystick to a PC. But nowadays it is replaced by USB ports. 10. Modem Port: As the name suggests, a Modem port is used to connects a PC’s modem to the telephone network. 11. Digital Video Interface(DVI) Port: DVI Port is used to connects LCD(flat panel) monitor to the computer’s high-end video graphic cards and it is very popular among video card manufacturers. 12. Ethernet Port: Ethernet Port helps to connect to a network and high-speed Internet(provided by LAN or other sources). It connects the network cable to a computer and resides in a Ethernet card. It provides a data travel speed of 10 Mb to 1000 Mb(megabits) per second. Sample QuestionsQuestion 1. What is the full form of USB? (A) Universal Serial Bus (B) Unedited System Bracket (C) Unified Sound Bar (D) Unique Sequencing Bus Solution:
Question 2. Ethernet Cables are used for ________? (A) audio (B) networking (C) internet (D) Both b and c Solution:
Question 3. Microphone and speakers are connected with the help of________? (A) Ethernet cable (B) Serial ports (C) Sockets (D) None of the above Solution:
Question 4. FireWire Port is developed in late 1980s and early 1990s by _______? (A) Microsoft corporation Ltd. (B) Apple (C) Google (D) Both Microsoft and Apple in collaboration Solution:
Question 5. In old computers, there are minimum how many PS/2 Ports are available? (A) 2 (B) 5 (C) 1 (D) No PS/2 ports are present. Solution:
Question 6. Which are the Two versions of Serial ports? (A) 15 pin model and 25 pin model (B) 9 pin model and 15 pin model (C) 10 pin model and 20 pin model (D) 9 pin model and 25 pin model Solution:
Eddy is a computer specialist and a technology geek, He has an exceptional experience is programming and analyzing any new technology entering the market. donedonedoneedit hotspots This is where you'll connect the power cord to the computer. Almost every computer has two or more audio ports where you can connect various devices, including speakers, microphones, and headsets. This port looks a lot like the modem or telephone port, but it is slightly wider. You can use this port for networking and connecting to the Internet. On most desktop computers, most of the USB ports are on the back of the computer case. Generally, you'll want to connect your mouse and keyboard to these ports and keep the front USB ports free so they can be used for digital cameras and other devices. This is where you'll connect your monitor cable. In this example, the computer has both a DisplayPort and a VGA port. Other computers may have other types of monitor ports, such as DVI (digital visual interface) or HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface). This port is less common on today's computers. It was frequently used to connect peripherals like digital cameras, but it has been replaced by USB and other types of ports. These ports are sometimes used for connecting the mouse and keyboard. Typically, the mouse port is green and the keyboard port is purple. On new computers, these ports have been replaced by USB. These empty slots are where expansion cards are added to computers. For example, if your computer did not come with a video card, you could purchase one and install it here. |