Technical information

ICT in the science department 1608 © CLEAPSS 2005
16.5.5 Connections to a computer
Computers have a range of connector sockets (ports) allowing communication with the
outside world. A typical back panel of a tower computer is shown below.
The types of connector vary and continue to evolve. Labelling of the connectors is often
unclear. Text labels are quite rare; manufacturers often resort to the use of tiny
symbols, which may be difficult to see, let alone to interpret. Miniaturised versions of
these connectors may be present on PDAs.
Table 16.2 overleaf will help to identify connectors commonly found on computers.
16.5.6 Mice and graphics tablets
A traditional computer mouse, fitted with a removable ball, is the cheapest option.
Some schools find the balls, or even the complete mice, are stolen. Solutions vary but
include securing the ball cover with Superglue (never to be removed again which is
unhelpful if the ball needs cleaning!) and using a cable tie to anchor the mouse lead to
a suitable eyelet on the bench or computer. Mice fitted with balls also suffer from the
uptake of dust and grime, making the functioning of the mouse ‘sticky’ or intermit-
tent. Regular disassembly and cleaning is tedious (or impossible - see above!). This
problem is largely removed by using a mouse with an optical tracking system. Cord-
less mice are considerably more expensive and stolen so easily that we would not
recommend them.
A graphics tablet may be a useful resource, perhaps where detailed drawing work is
undertaken by staff. Some schools have reported that a cordless graphics tablet is a
better, cheaper alternative to an interactive whiteboard, allowing the teacher to roam
around the class and control a detailed screen presentation at the same time
1
.
1
For example, the RM Classpad from Research Machines plc: www.rm.com.