Technical information

© CLEAPSS 2005 1609 ICT in the Science Department
Table 16.2 Computer connectors
Connector Appearance Plug type Comments
Firewire
(IEEE 1394)
High speed connection that may be used for
video transfer. More likely to be found on
newer computers but firewire ports may be
added via an expansion card.
Keyboard
(often coloured / labelled
purple or orange)
PS/2 The keyboard is traditionally connected via a
PS/2 port, but sometimes via USB.
Line-in audio
(often blue)
Medium-level sound input from equipment
such as CD players.
Line-out audio
(often green)
Medium-level sound output to headphones or
amplified speakers.
Microphone in
3 mm jack
Low-level sound input from a condenser
microphone.
Modem RJ11
These sockets are only present if the
computer is fitted with a ‘dial-up’ modem.
One socket is attached to the telephone line
and a phone may be connected to the other.
Monitor (display) output D-type Also described as VGA, 15pin D-sub or
HD-15.
Mouse
(often green)
PS/2 The mouse is traditionally connected via a
PS/2 port, but sometimes via USB.
Network (LAN) RJ45 -
Parallel Centronics Mainly used for printers, but also a few
dataloggers.
Serial (RS232)
1
9 pin D-type Traditionally used but often not fitted as
standard to newer computers, particularly
laptops, where USB now predominates.
USB
2
Various versions. It is important to check that
equipment to be connected is compatible with
the version number of the computer’s USB
port.
1
RS is an acronym for Recommended Standard in the computer industry.
2
USB is an acronym for Universal Serial Bus.