What is Computer Ports? Definition & Types of Computer Ports

You know that what is the use of a CPU in the computer, but you must have seen some Ports, Connectors, and Buttons on the backside and front side of the computer CPU, about which you may not have complete knowledge.

So in today’s article, we are going to learn about all the computer ports present in the computer.

So without wasting time let’s first understand what is computer ports.

What is Computer Ports?

Definition -: Computer port is a connection point through which we work to connect external devices to PC or computer. For example, if you want to connect a keyboard, mouse, pen drive to the computer, then you will need a port or connection point through which you will be able to connect these devices to the computer.

So a port acts as an interface between the computer and the external devices. It is also called a communication port because it is the point from where the external device connects to the computer and through which the transfer and exchange of data and files between the computer and the external device.

Types of Computer Ports

We can divide Computer Ports into two parts on the basis of prototype or how the communication is happening -:

• Serial Port
• Parallel Port

1) Serial Port

This port connects external devices to the computer using the serial protocol. Only one bit of data can be transferred in this port at a time.

The D-Subminiature or D-sub connector is a good example of serial ports. Which carries RS-232 signals.

• It is used for external modems.
• It has two versions available in the market – 9 pin and 25 pin model.
• Data travels at a speed of 115 kilobits per second.

2) Parallel Port

In this port, more than one bit of data can be transferred between the computer and the external device at the same time, so it is called Parallel Port which allows Parallel communication.

• These are basically used to connect devices like scanners and printers.
• These are also known as printer ports.
• There is a 25 pin model available.
• Data travels at a speed of 150 kilobits per second.

3) Display Port

It allows the transmission of video and audio from the device to the display screen. It is an advanced technology developed as an alternative to DVI and VGA.

A Display Port can be seen on laptops, desktops, tablets, monitors, etc. It has a 20-pin connector and offers better resolution than the DVI port.

Its latest version is DisplayPort 1.3 which can handle resolutions up to 7680 X 4320.

4) HDMI port

HDMI (High Definition Media Interface) is developed to connect high definition devices like digital cameras, computer monitors, and gaming consoles.

It carries uncompressed video and compressed/uncompressed audio. 19 pins are available in these ports. Its latest version is HDMI 2.0 which is used to carry digital video signals up to 4096×2160 resolution and 32 audio channels.

5) USB Port

Through USB port, we can connect almost all types of external devices like hard disk, printer, monitors, keyboards, mouse, etc.

The USB port was first introduced in 1997. In this, the data travels at the speed of 14mb/s. Today, it has replaced PS/2 connectors, game ports, serial and parallel ports, etc. Most computers provide two types of USB ports – USB Type A and USB Type C.

6) PS/2

It is basically used to connect mouse and keyboard in older computers. It is also called mouse port.

This security is much preferred by the organization. It is a 6-pin mini Din connector which is used to connect keyboard and mouse to PC computer.

This connector is a collor codit. For example, a green color is used for a mouse, and a purple color connector is used for a keyboard. At the present time, it has been replaced by a USB port.

7) VGA Port

This port is commonly found in computers, projectors, and high-definition TVs. This is a D-sub connector also known as DR-15.

It has 15 pins which are arranged in 3 rows. There are 5 pins in each row. It is mainly used to connect the monitor to the CPU. Most LCD and LED monitors come with a VGA port.

VGA can only carry analog video signals up to a resolution of 648X480 so it does not guarantee high quality.

However, these ports do not assure high picture quality as the VGA can only carry analog video signals up to a resolution of 648X480.

As the demand for video quality continues to grow, VGA ports are gradually replaced by more advanced ports such as HDMI and Display Ports that assure higher video quality.

VGA port was introduced by IBM in 1987. This is very similar to a serial port connector, although a serial port connector has pins and a VGA port has holes.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Read More -:

• What is CPU
• Basic Components of Computer
• What is Computer Memory
• What is Primary Memory
• What is Secondary Memory
• What is Cache Memory
• What is Register Memory

Conclusion

Friends, I hope that after reading this article you will get all information about, what are computer ports. And what is their use?

If you want a complete tutorial on Computer Fundamentals, then see this article Computer Fundamentals Tutorial. Here you will get all the topics of Computer Fundamentals step by step.

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