Computer Ports and Connectors: A Quick Reference

By Andy Walker

Here's a guide to those weird ports you will probably encounter on the back of your computer:

• Serial port – for external modems and old computer mice


• Parallel port – connector for scanners and printers


• Universal Serial Bus (USB) port – a new universal connector


• PS/2 port – keyboard and mouse interface


• Video card port – a video port for your monitor


• Power port – for your power plug


• Modem port – connect by phone to the Internet


• Ethernet network port – connect to a network and high speed Internet


• Firewire/IEEE 1394 port – fast camcorder connector

Connectors index - Serial port - Parallel port - USB port - PS/2 port - DB15 video port - Power port - Modem port - Ethernet network port - Firewire/IEEE 1394 port