Introduction
Take a look at the front and back of a computer case and
count the number of buttons, ports, and slots you see. Now
look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at
least 10, and may be a lot more.
Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can except to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something, lie a printer, keyboard and mouse.
Front of
a computer case
Optical Disc Drive: Often called a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM
drive, this lets your computer read CDs and DVDs.
▶
Power Button: The power button is used to power the computer on and off.
▶ Audio In/Audio Out: many computers include audio ports on the front of the computer case that allow you to easily connect speakers, microphones, and headsets without fumbling with the back of the computer.
▶
USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port: Most desktop computers have several USB
ports. These can be used to connect almost any type of device, including mice,
keyboard, printers, and digital cameras. They will often appear on the front
and back of the computer.
Back of a
computer case
The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special connectors for specific devices. Some f the posts may be color coded to help determine which port is used with a particular device.
▶
Audio In\Audio Out: Almost every computer has two or more audio ports
where you can connect various devices, including speakers, microphones, and
headsets.
▶
Monitor Port: This is where you’ll connect your monitor cable. In this
example, the computer has both a Display Port and a VGA port. Other computer
may have other computer types of monitors ports, such as DVI (digital visual interface)
or HDMI (high-definition multimedia interface).
▶
USB Ports: On most desktop computers most of the USB ports are the
on the back of the computer case. Generally, you’ll want to connect your mouse
and keyboard to these ports and keep the front USB ports free so they can be
used for digital cameras and other devices.
▶
Ethernet Port: This port looks a lot like the modem or telephone
port, but it is slightly wider. You can use for networking and
connecting to the Internet.
▶
PS/2: These ports are sometimes used for connecting the mouse and keyboard.
Typically, the mouse port is green and the keyboard port is purple.
On new computers, these ports have been replaced by USB.
▶
Serial Port: This port is less common on today’s computers. It was frequently
used to connect peripherals like digital cameras, but it has been replaced
by USB and other types of ports.
▶
Expansion Slots: These empty slots are where expansion cards are
added to computers. For example, if your computer did not come with a video
card, you could purchase one and install it here.
▶
Power Socket: This is where you’ll connect the power cord to the
computer.
Peripherals
you can use with your computers
The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer
case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you can plug
many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These devices
are called peripherals. Let’s take a look at some of the most common
ones.
▶
Printers: A printer is used to print documents, photos, and
anything else that appears on your screen. There are many types of printers, including
inkjet, laser, and photo printers. These are even all-in-one
printers, which can also scan copy documents.
▶
Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy a physical image or document
and save it to your computer as a digital (computer-readable) image.
Many scanners are included as part of an all-in-one printer, although you can also
buy a separate flatbed or handheld scanner.
▶
Speakers\headphones: Speakers and headphones are output devices,
which means they send information from the computer to the user––in this case,
they allow you to hear sound and music. Depending on the model,
they my connect to the audio port or the USB port. Some monitors
also have built-in speakers.
▶
Web cameras: A web cameras or webcam is a type of input device
that can record videos and take pictures. It can also transmit
video over the Internet in real time, which allows for video chat
or video conferencing with someone else. Many webcams also include a
microphone for this reason.
▶
Game controllers and joysticks: A game controller is used to control
computer games. There are many other types of controllers you can use,
including joysticks, although you can also use your mouse and keyboard
to control most games.
▶
Digital cameras: A digital cameras lets you capture pictures and
videos in a digital format. By connecting the camera to your computer’s USB ports,
you can transfer the images from the camera to the computer.
▶
Mobiles phones, MP3 players, tablet computers, and other devices: Whenever
you buy an electronic device, such as a mobile phone or MP3 player, check to
see if it comes with a USB cable. If does, this means you can most
likely connect it to your computer.
