Page 18 - Viva ICSE Computer Studies 7 : E-book

1. Serial Port
Serial port involves the transmission of data one bit at a time
over a single communication line.

Use: It is used for external MODEM and older computer
mouse that do not require high speed transmission.

2. Parallel Port

Parallel port transfers the data in or out in parallel using more than
one communication line or wire.

Use: It is used for scanners and printers that require high speed
transmission.

3. PS/2 Port

PS/2 port is also called mouse port. PS/2 port is now considered a legacy
port as the USB port has replaced it and very few modern motherboards
include it as a legacy port.

Use: It is used for old computer keyboard and mouse. Most of the old
computers provide two PS/2 port, one for the mouse and one for keyboard.

4. Universal Serial Bus (USB)

USB can connect all kinds of external USB devices such as external hard
disk, printer, scanner, mouse and keyboard.

Use: It is used to transfer data and also act as a power supply for devices
connected to it.

5. Video Graphics Array (VGA)

VGA port is the main interface between computers and older CRT
monitors. It is similar to the serial port connector that has pins.
However, VGA port has holes. Even modern LCD and LED monitors
support VGA ports but the picture quality is reduced. With the
increase in the use of digital video, VGA ports are gradually being
replaced by HDMI and display ports. Some laptops are equipped with on-board VGA ports in
order to connect to external monitors or projectors.
Use: It connects monitor to a computer’s video card.

6. Firewire Port
Firewire port is developed by Apple. It transfers large amount of
data at a very fast speed.

Use: It connects camcorders and video equipments to the computer.

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