Computer - Ports
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 −
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External devices are connected to a computer using cables and ports.
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Ports are slots on the motherboard into which a cable of external device is plugged in.
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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
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Used for external modems and older computer mouse
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Two versions: 9 pin, 25 pin model
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Data travels at 115 kilobits per second
Parallel Port
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Used for scanners and printers
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Also called printer port
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25 pin model
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IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port
PS/2 Port
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Used for old computer keyboard and mouse
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Also called mouse port
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Most of the old computers provide two PS/2 port, each for the mouse and keyboard
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IEEE 1284-compliant Centronics port
Universal Serial Bus (or USB) Port
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It can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard disk, printer, scanner, mouse, keyboard, etc.
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It was introduced in 1997.
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Most of the computers provide two USB ports as minimum.
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Data travels at 12 megabits per seconds.
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USB compliant devices can get power from a USB port.
VGA Port
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Connects monitor to a computer's video card.
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It has 15 holes.
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Similar to the serial port connector. However, serial port connector has pins, VGA port has holes.
Power Connector
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Three-pronged plug.
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Connects to the computer's power cable that plugs into a power bar or wall socket.
Firewire Port
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Transfers large amount of data at very fast speed.
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Connects camcorders and video equipment to the computer.
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Data travels at 400 to 800 megabits per seconds.
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Invented by Apple.
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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
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Connects to a network and high speed Internet.
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Connects the network cable to a computer.
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This port resides on an Ethernet Card.
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Data travels at 10 megabits to 1000 megabits per seconds depending upon the network bandwidth.
Game Port
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Connect a joystick to a PC
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Now replaced by USB
Digital Video Interface, DVI port
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Connects Flat panel LCD monitor to the computer's high-end video graphic cards.
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Very popular among video card manufacturers.
Sockets
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Sockets connect the microphone and speakers to the sound card of the computer.
