TECH TIP - What's in the Back of your Computer Part 2

 

The ports (they are also called connectors) in the back of your computer are usually things the average PC user doesn't think about.  PCs use over 50 different connectors.  Wow!   These 50 connectors fit into only a few major types.  Here they are the names of the major types of connectors used today and some of what they are used for.

 

  DB connectors:  Look in the back of your computer and notice the connectors that are shaped like a "D."  These are some of the oldest type of connectors in the back of your PC.  The DB connector called the parellel port is used for older style printers.  Most modern printers these days use the USB connector. 

 

  DIN connectors:  These are round connectors come in 2 sizes - DIN and mini-DIN.  DIN, the larger one is no longer found on computers these days.  Mini-DIN connectors are still on computers and they are used to connect PS/2 keyboards and PS/2 mice.  They are usually color coded.

 

  RJ Connectors:  These are the connectors into which you plug your phone cable (if you use a modem) or your network card cable (if you use a network or a cable modem)

 

  Audio Connectors:  These are the connectors in to which you plug your speakers or your microphone.

 

  USB Connectors:  This is a newer type of connector. It is used for just about anything - keyboards, mice, printers, and cameras.  See the USB Tech TIp.

http://www.marshalladulteducation.org/techtips/techtip55.htm

 

  Firewire Connectors:  These are sometimes called IEEE 1394 connectors.  They are not very common but you may have heard of them.  They are for transferring data at very high speeds in devices such as digital video camers or hard drives.