Topic One: Hardware Connectivity

Topic Objective

This topic aims to equip the learner with skills of how to connect different computer parts.

Introduction

Computer connections can be either wired or wireless. All computer hardware are connected by use of wires or cables. These cables provide connection of devices to the computer by use of a docking point called a port.

What is a port?

A port is the physical interface or the physical point to which an external or peripheral device is connected to a computer. There are different types of ports in a computer as discussed below.

Types of ports

1.     Serial Port; this is a basic communication port through which information travels at a speed of 115Kb/s. It is the oldest type of port and used to connect modems, mouse and keyboard. This port transforms information one bit at a time.

2.     Parallel Port; a communication interface through which data travels at a speed of 150Kb/s. it is used to connect scanners and printers and is also referred to as printer port. This port transforms information multiple bits at a time. It is mostly available in 25 pin model.

3.     PS/2 Port; this is a port used for old computers and connects mice and keyboard. It comes with color codes where green is for mouse and purple for keyboard.

4. Universal Serial Bus (USB) Port; it can basically connect all types of peripherals and is used for short distance digital data communication. Data travels at a speed of 14Mb/s. USB devices can also charge from this port.

5. Video Graphic Array (VGA)Ports; this is a 15 pin connector present in most visual display units. It connects a monitor to a computer’s video card. It uses analog signal  and can only be used to lower resolution.