There are several ports available on Windows or Mac computers. Each one has a different function based on the size. Using these built-in ports, you can connect the external peripherals easily to the computers. The main function of a computer port is to act as a point of attachment to plug in additional devices.
A computer port allows you to transmit data from one device to another. Thus, these ports are responsible for communication between the computer and connected devices. Generally, the end of the connector is referred to as a port on a computer. A computer port is usually located on the backside of the case.
Communication Ports are divided into two types in a standard computer. These are – Serial Ports and Parallel Ports. A serial port is a communication interface through which information transfers one bit at a time. The most common type of serial port of a computer is a “D-Subminiature” that carries RS-232 signals.
A parallel port on the other side helps the computer to communicate with its peripheral devices. In these ports, data is transferred in parallel using more than one communication line or wire. Your printer’s port is a prime example of a parallel port.
Now, let’s see all the types of computer ports and their roles:
USB or Universal Serial Bus
You will find more than one USB port in almost all the latest computers. Users can connect external devices like keyboards and mouse on this port. Additionally, USB ports are designed to plug in office essentials like printers. There are different types of USB ports available on computers.
PC owners must know the functions of each USB port before using them. Otherwise, you might experience connectivity issues for using incorrect ports.
Thus, if you’re unaware of the functions of the different USB ports, check these details:
USB 1.0 Port and Its Function
This first version of the USB port specified signalling rates of 1.5 Mbit.s. It didn’t allow computer users to access the extension cables due to timing and power limitations. You can connect mouses, keyboards and gamepads using USB 1.0.
The updated version, USB.1.1, can increase the data transmission speed to 12 Mbps. However, these ports are limited to old computer models. Renowned manufacturers like HP do not include USB 1.0 on their new computers.
USB 2.0 and Its Function
USB 2.0 is known as a high-speed USB port. This second-generation USB port was first introduced in 2000. It provides improved functionalities and better data transfer speed compared to USB 1.0.
USB 2.0 is capable of delivering a maximum transfer speed of 480 megabits per second. However, it can also offer a data transmission speed of 280 Mbps, depending on the PC type. Finding these types of computer ports is pretty easy. The USB 2.0 port is always black.
USB 3.0 Port and Its Function
USB 3.0 also known as SuperSpeed USB, is the third-generation computer port. It is a hardware interface that supports the exchange of data between a host computer and peripherals. Enhancements in the USB 3.0 specification were driven by the need for a faster data transfer rate.
You will find this USB port in all the new Windows and Mac computers. It supports up to 400 Mbps data transmission speed. Besides, the USB 3.0 port is always backward compatible. The blue port on the backside of the PC case is USB 3.0.
What are the Other Types of USB Ports You can Find in a Computer?
Computer owners can find a USB 3.1 port to transfer data at 10 Gb per sec speed. You can share large 1TB files and high-definition movies using this port. Additionally, users can locate a USB-C port on the PC build. It will help you to transmit video, audio and other types of media files in minutes.
Thunderbolt
A computer’s Thunderbolt ports provide high bandwidth for connecting high-speed devices. It ensures an uninterrupted connection between the external device and the PC. All Mac computers have this next-generation port. However, you might not find Thunderbolt in all Windows computers.
Detecting the Thunderbolt port is pretty easy. There will be a Thunder logo on the port. You can connect a compatible display or television to the computer using this port. Additionally, users can plug in external storage mediums on the Thunderbolt port.
Here are the different types of Thunderbolt ports you can notice on a PC:
- ThunderBolt 1
- ThunderBolt 2
- ThunderBolt 3
PS/2 Port
The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN connector on a PC that is used for connecting keyboards and mouse. It was first introduced by IBM in 1987 for personal computers. There are more than two PS/1 ports in the old Windows computers.
PS/2 connectors are colour codes purple for a keyboard and green for a mouse. But, you won’t find this port in the new computers or laptops.
HDMI Port
HDMI is short for High Definition Interface, and its purpose is to transfer audio and visual content from one device to another. There are different-sized HDMI ports you can find in a computer.
There are mini HDMI and micro-HDMI ports on the advanced computers. However, most of the time, the computer port will be standard full-size.
Computer users can connect audio or video monitors via this port. Additionally, you can connect the DVD player to this PC port. HDMI supports standard, enhanced and HD video on a single cable.
There are five types of HDMI ports you can find on a computer, and they are:
- Type A
- Type B
- Type C
- Type D
- Type E
VGA Port
VGA ports connect the external monitor to a computer’s video card. Moreover, there are fifteen mini holes in this computer port. It is similar to the serial port connector but serves different purposes. Apart from computers, you can find the VGA port in the latest projectors and video cards.
It is a D-sub connector that consists of 3 rows and is often known as DE-15. A VGA port is the main interface between Windows PCs and older CRT monitors. This port provides analogue video signals up to a resolution of 648×480.
FireWire Port
FireWire, also called IEEE 1394, is a high-speed computer data-transfer interface. The main purpose of these types of computer ports is to connect PCs, video devices and other consumer electronics.
FireWire ports were developed in the late 1980s and early 1900s by Apple. This computer port contains three variants. These are
- 4-pin FireWire 400 connector
- 6-pin FireWire 400 connector
- 9-pin FireWire 800 connector.
Digital Video Interface (DVI)
Digital Video Interface is the digital interface between a display controller, like a PC and a monitor. This port replaced the old analogue VGA port from the computers. Moreover, it offers better picture quality and clarity than VGA.
It’s a unique connector that carries both digital and analogue signals. You can easily convert the DVI port to other standards like HDMI and VGA. It supports almost all advanced LCD monitors, projectors and digital display equipment.
Here are the different types of DVI that you can find on a computer:
- DVI-I
- DVI-D
- DVI-A
- DVI-I
Ethernet Port
An Ethernet port allows you to connect the wireless router to the computer. It is usually used to establish an internet connection to your device. There might be at least two ethernet ports in a Windows computer. However, you might find one ethernet port in the old computers.
Using the ethernet port of a computer is pretty easy. Connect one end of the LAN cable to the router’s port and the other end to the PC’s ethernet port.
Access the computer’s Wi-Fi menu and choose the right wireless network name. Open a web browser and access the internet without hassle.
What is the Other Type of Computer Ports that are Worth Using?
In your Windows computer, you might notice an Infrared (IR) port. It sends and receives infrared signals from other devices. This wireless port has a limited range of 5-10 ft.
Additionally, the old PCs have a game port that is used to connect a joystick.
Besides, the modem port connects a PC’s modem to the telephone network. So, choose the right port that suits your needs.
