Input/Output Ports Identification And Function
Device Connection t. All devices that connect outside of the computer must use a port to connect t. Known as I/O ports (Input/Output) t. Bits can travel in parallel or in serial
Serial Connectors t. Can use a 9 or 25 pin male sub-D connector t. Slowest ports t. Used for: t. Mice t. Keyboards t. Modems
Serial Ports t. Also called COM 1, COM 2, COM 3, and COM 4 t. Can be referred to as a RS-232 port t. This is a standard that defines serial communication
Parallel Ports t. Uses a 25 pin female sub-D connector t. Data flows over 8 lines t. Used for: t. Printers t. Scanners t. Portable drives
Parallel Ports t. When used to connect to a printer, it uses a 36 pin centronics connector at the other end
Parallel Ports t. Also called LPT 1, LPT 2, LPT 3 t. Bi-directional communication t. Called Enhanced Printer Port (EPP) t. Transmission mode can be set in the BIOS t. Maximum cable length is 15 feet
PS/2 and Keyboard Connectors t. PS/2 connectors are used for both mice and keyboard t. Also called 6 -pin mini DIN t. Green for mouse t. Purple for keyboard t. Not interchangeable t. Standard for ATX boards
DIN-5 Keyboard Connector t. Older motherboards use a DIN-5 connector for the keyboard and a 9 pin serial connection for the mouse
Universal Serial Bus (USB) t. Used to connect almost all peripherals t. Can connect up to 127 devices t. Designed to be hot-swappable t. Designed to connect in a daisy chain
USB Standards t. USB 1. 1 – 12 Mbps t. USB 2. 0 – 480 Mbps t. A-Style connector is used on the computer or hub t. B-Style connector is used on the device t. Must have Windows 98, 2000 or XP t. Not supported in Windows 95 or NT 4. 0
USB Cable Lengths t. Hi Powered devices – 5 meters max t. Also t. Low Powered devices – 3 meters max t. Also t. Can called hi-speed called low-speed be extended if you use a selfpowered hub
Fire. Wire t. Also called IEEE-1394 t. Used for digital cameras, camcorders, and scanners t. Bi-directional communication t. Developed by Apple Computers t. Requires a special adapter card
Fire. Wire Cable Length t 4. 5 meters max length t. Hot-swappable t. Transfer rate of 400 Mbps t. Supports 63 devices in a daisy chain