Computer buttons and ports

Every computer is different, but there are some buttons and ports you can find on most desktop computers. Learning how to use these ports will come in handy when you need to connect something to your computer, such as a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.

Computer buttons and ports

Buttons and ports on the front of the computer case

Buttons and ports on the front of the computer case

Power button - Power

The power button is used to turn the computer on and off.

Reset button - Reset

Restart button is used to restart when the computer crashes.

Optical drive

Commonly known as a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, it allows your computer to read CDs and DVDs. Below is a small button used to close / open the CD / DVD tray.

USB Port - Universal Serial Bus

Most desktop computers have several USB ports. They can be used to connect almost any type of device, including mice, keyboards, printers and digital cameras. USB ports are available on the front and back of the micro chassis. count.

Audio Ports - Audio Port

Many computers will have audio ports on the front of the computer case that allow you to easily connect speakers or headphones and a microphone without having to fumble for the jacks on the back of the computer.

Ports on the back of the computer case

Ports on the back of the computer case

The back of the computer case has connection ports made to fit different devices. The location of the ports may vary between computers. Many manufacturers also have special connectors for their own devices. Some ports may be color normalized to help you identify which ports are used with which devices.

Power cord port

This is where you will connect your computer's power cord to a power outlet. Some computers also have an additional power switch at this location.

PS/2 . port

These ports are commonly used to connect a mouse and keyboard. Usually, the mouse port is green and the keyboard port is purple. On newer computers, these ports have been replaced by USB ports.

Serial Port - Serial Port

This port is less common on today's computers. It was commonly used to connect peripherals using this connection type, but it has now been replaced by USB ports or other types of ports with higher speeds.

Parallel Port

This port is also less common on today's computers. It was commonly used to connect peripheral devices that used this type of connection such as printers, but it has now been replaced by USB ports or other types of ports with higher speeds.

Monitor Port - Monitor Port

This is where you will connect the monitor's cable to the computer. Computers can have different types of display ports, such as VGA, DVI, HDMI or DisplayPort, etc.

USB Port - Universal Serial Bus

On most desktop computers, most USB ports are located on the back of the computer case. In general, you will connect your mouse and keyboard to these ports and save the front USB ports for the use of other devices.

Network port - Lan Port

This port looks a lot like a Modem port or a phone port, but it's a bit wider. You can use this port to connect to your local network and connect to the Internet.

Audio Port - Audio Port

The audio ports allow you to connect microphones, speakers or headphones and capture audio signals from external devices.

Expansion Slots - Expansion Slot

These empty slots are where additional expansion devices are attached to the computer. For example, if your computer does not have a video card - VGA card, you can buy one and then attach it to the motherboard located in the computer case and its ports will appear here. .

Other types of gates

There are other types of ports, such as FireWire, Thunderbolt, Type-C, eSATA, etc. If your computer has ports that you don't recognize, you should refer to the user manual for more information. .

Peripherals you can use with your computer

Peripherals you can use with your computer

The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you can plug a variety of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These devices are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of the most popular devices.

first

Printer - Printer

Printers are used to print documents, photos, and anything else that appears on your screen. There are many types of printers, including inkjet printers, laser printers, and copiers. There are even all-in-one multifunction printers that can scan and copy documents.

2

Scanner - Scanner

Image scanners allow you to copy images or pages of text and save it to your computer as a digital image that can be read by computers or other devices. While you can purchase a flatbed or handheld scanner separately, there are a number of scanners that are built into all-in-one printers.

3

Speakers - Speaker/Headphones - Headphones

Speakers and headphones are output devices, which means they send information from the computer to the user - in this case, they allow you to listen to audio and music. Depending on the model, they can connect to an audio port or a USB port. Some monitors also have built-in speakers.

4

Micro

A microphone is a type of input device or device that receives information from the user. You can connect the Microphone to record or talk to others over the Internet. Many laptops have built-in Microphones.

5

Webcam - Web Camera

Webcam is a type of input device that can record video and take pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in real time, allowing video chat or video conferencing with others. Many Webcams also come equipped with a microphone for this.

6

Game controller - Gamepad, Joystick

Game controllers are used to control computer games. There are many other types of controllers you can use, including joysticks, although you can also use a mouse and keyboard to control most games.

7

Digital Camera - Digital Camera

A digital camera allows you to take photos and record videos in digital format. By connecting the camera to a computer's USB port, you can transfer images from the camera to a computer.

8

Mobile phones, tablets, MP3 players and other devices

Whenever you buy an electronic device, such as a mobile phone, tablet or MP3 player, etc., check that it comes with a USB cable. If yes, this means you can very well connect it to your computer.

Micah Soto

Update 08 May 2023