What are Computer Ports? How to Identify them on Your Computer

Most people look at a computer and see it as a machine that you operate with a keyboard and mouse and that connects to a monitor and printer. What most of us overlook is that the computer is the brains of the outfit and the other parts—the printer, modem, keyboard, etc.—are simply connected to the computer. They’re on the outside, or the periphery, of the computer case itself. For that reason, in computer-speak, these devices have long been labeled “peripherals”—although most non-tech types don’t use that term. Because these devices aren’t part of the computer, there has to be (and is) an easy way to physically connect them to the “system unit” (the computer case) so that the computer and the peripherals can work with and talk to each other…and so you can get done what you need to get done. The points at which a mouse, keyboard, camera or scanner connect to your computer are called ports . In the workplace, people rarely have to worry about setting up a computer and connecting all the wires and devices. But at home, and with desktop computers especially, it’s all up to you. So, it’s good to have an idea of what kinds of ports you have. Here’s a look at ports you might find on the back of a PC desktop: The number of ports will vary on a typical notebook computer, primarily because a laptop’s case is smaller and thinner to begin with. Here are ports you might find: Here’s a brief look at some of these ports. How many are you familiar with? If you have used both Apple computers and Windows-based PCs, you know that ports are more prevalent on PCs (especially on desktop PCs) than on Macs. Apple seems to envision the Internet world going online, going digital and simply not requiring so many different types of connectors and ports.