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I/O Ports and Connectors
Dell™PowerEdge™600SCSystemsUser'sGuide
I/O Ports and Connectors
Serial and Parallel Connectors
Keyboard and Mouse Connectors
Video Connector
USB Connectors
Integrated Network Interface Controller Connector
I/O Ports and Connectors
The I/O ports and connectors on the back panel of the system are the gateways through which the system communicates with external devices, such as a
keyboard, mouse, printer, and monitor. FigureB-1 identifies the I/O ports and connectors for your system.
Figure B-1. I/O Ports and Connectors
Serial and Parallel Connectors
The integrated serial connector uses a 9-pin D-subminiature connector on the back panel. This connector supports devices such as external modems, printers,
plotters, and mice that require serial data transmission (the transmission of data one bit at a time over one line).
Most software uses the term COM (for communications) plus a number to designate a serial connector (for example, COM1). The default designation of your
system's integrated serial connector is COM1.
The integrated parallel connector uses a 25-pin D-subminiature connector on the system's back panel. This I/O port sends data in parallel format (where eight
data bits, or one byte, are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines in a single cable). The parallel connector is used primarily for printers.
Most software uses the term LPT (for line printer) plus a number to designate a parallel connector (for example, LPT1). The default designation of the system's
integrated parallel connector is LPT1.
Port designations are used, for example, in software installation procedures that include a step in which you identify the connector to which a printer is
attached, thus telling the software where to send its output. (An incorrect designation prevents the printer from printing or causes scrambled print.)
Expansion Cards Having a Serial or Parallel Connector