Discuss about Computer Ports
https://www.computersprofessor.com/2017/08/discuss-about-computer-ports.html
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.
Characteristics of Ports
A port has the following characteristics −
·
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 –
Serial Port
·
Used for external modems and older computer mouse
·
Two versions: 9 pin, 25 pin model
·
Data travels at 115 kilobits per second
Parallel Port
·
Used for scanners and printers
·
Also called printer port
·
25 pin model
·
IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port
PS/2 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
Universal Serial Bus (or
USB) 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.
VGA 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.
Power Connector
·
Three-pronged plug.
·
Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar
or wall socket.
Firewire Port
·
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.
Modem Port
- Connects a PC's modem to the telephone
network.
Ethernet Port
·
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.
Game Port
·
Connect a joystick to a PC
·
Now replaced by USB
Digital Video Interface, DVI
port
·
Connects Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's high-end video
graphic cards.
·
Very popular among video card manufacturers.
Sockets
·
Sockets connect the microphone and speakers to the sound card of
the computer.