Computer Fundamentals: Ports, Connectors, and Cables
Connectors and Ports:
1. USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port:
- Connects external devices (e.g. hard disk, printer, keyboard).
- Introduced in 1997.
- Transfers data at 12 Mbps.
- Can also supply power to devices.
- Types: Type A, Type B, Mini USB, Micro USB.
2. VGA Port:
- Found in monitors, projectors, video cards.
- 15 pins in 3 rows (DE-15 connector).
- Connects computers to CRT monitors.
- Supports up to 648x480 resolution.
3. Power Connector:
- 3-pronged plug.
- Connects to computer power cable.
4. Audio Ports:
- Connects speakers or audio devices.
- Can be analog or digital.
- Multiple types based on channel: 2-channel, 4-channel, 6-channel, etc.
5. DVI (Digital Video Interface):
- High-speed digital interface between computer and display.
- Transmits lossless digital video.
- Replaces VGA.
6. Mini-DVI:
- Smaller than regular DVI.
- 32-pin port.
- Transmits DVI, Composite, S-Video, VGA with adapters.
7. Micro-DVI:
- Smaller than Mini-DVI.
- Only transmits digital signals.
- Found on thin laptops.
- Needs adapters for DVI/VGA.
8. RCA Connector:
- Carries composite video and stereo audio.
- Yellow: video; Red/White: audio.
- Max resolution: 576i.
9. Component Video:
- Splits video signals into three channels (Red, Green, Blue).
- Better quality than composite video.
- Can be analog or digital.
Cables and Networking:
10. HDMI (High Definition Media Interface):
- Digital interface for HD/Ultra HD devices.
- Transmits uncompressed video and compressed/uncompressed audio.
- Used in TVs, Blu-ray, gaming consoles, etc.
11. RJ-45 (Ethernet):
- 8-pin connector.
- Used for LAN/internet.
- Supports up to 10 Gbps (Gigabit Ethernet).
12. Coaxial Cable:
- Invented in the 1880s.
- Transmits signals using copper core and shield.
- Two types:
- Thin coaxial - shorter, flexible.
- Thick coaxial - long-distance, rigid.
13. Twisted Pair Cable:
- Widely used for Ethernet.
- Types:
- UTP (Unshielded Twisted Pair)
- STP (Shielded Twisted Pair)
- Categories: Cat3, Cat5, Cat6 etc.
- Carries data up to 10 Gbps.
14. Fiber Optic Cable:
- Uses glass core to transmit light.
- High bandwidth and low interference.
- Two types:
- Single-mode: long distances.
- Multi-mode: short distances.
15. USB Cables:
- Connect peripherals (e.g. mouse, keyboard).
- Also used for Ethernet via adapter.
- Uses twisted pair wiring.
16. Serial and Parallel Cables:
- Used before Ethernet.
- Now obsolete.
- Used for PC-to-PC connections.
17. Crossover Cables:
- Connects devices of the same type (e.g. PC to PC).
- Reorders wires inside the cable.
18. Other Network Cables:
- Patch cables: short length for temporary setup.
- Can be coaxial, twisted pair, or fiber optic.
Basic Computer Configuration:
- Refers to the arrangement of hardware/software.
- Example setup: 8 GB RAM, Hard Disk, Modem, CD-ROM, VGA Monitor, Operating System.
