What is Input/Output Ports in computer?

Input/Output (I/O) ports are interfaces in a computer system that allow for the transfer of data between the computer and external devices. These ports serve as communication channels between the computer and other devices, enabling the exchange of information and enabling the computer to perform specific tasks.

In computer system I/O ports are used to connect to connect different types of device to computer for taking input and receiving output. Input Output ports connect computer peripherals to perform certain task. for example - keyboards is used to take input, monitor is used to print output. To connecting These types of devices we need input output port and cable. USB, HDMI, AUX , SATA etc are examples of Input output ports.

There are several types of I/O ports, including:

1. USB (Universal Serial Bus): This is a widely used port that allows for the connection of many types of devices, including keyboards, mice, flash drives, and printers.

   

   USB(Universal Serial Bus) is used to connect Keyboard, Mouse, printer, External Hard disk(or SSD) smartphone, speaker etc.

2. VGA : (Video Graphics Array) port is used to connect monitor to the computer. VGA is working with analog signal and it send data to the display for output. VGA is not supporting Hight Graphics or It has some limitations. VGA is not carry audio signal for monitor. for audio signal we have to use External audio cable to provide audio to the monitor(if Monitor has inbuilt speaker). we can't use long VGA wire because its picture quality may reduce. if motherboard and monitor has VGA port we can connect to each other using VGA cable.

   

3. HDMI : (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port is also used to connect Monitor. HDMI is very advance technology that is work on digital signal and it carry audio signal. HDMI supports very High quality Graphics with audio. In HDMI we don't need to plug External audio source. To connecting Monitor with Motherboard we have to use HDMI cable.

   

4. AUX (Audio Port) : It is a standard communication port that is used to send or receive audio signal. In computer AUX port is used to connect Mic(microphone) or Headphone, speaker etc. These ports allow for the connection of external audio devices, such as speakers and microphones.

   

5. Serial ports: This is an older type of port that is primarily used for connecting modems, mice, and other similar devices.

6. SATA ports: This port is used to connect SATA hard disk, SSD Drive or CD,DVD writer.

   

7. Parallel ports: This type of port was commonly used for printers and other devices that require high-speed data transfer.

8. Ethernet ports: This type of port is used for connecting to a network, either through a cable or wirelessly. RJ45 port, "RJ" stands for "Registered Jack. 

   

   An Ethernet port in computer is used to access internet or connecting two networking devices each other. Their purpose is to connect wired network hardware in an Ethernet LAN(Local Area network) ,MAN(metropolitan area network ), or WAN (wide area network). RJ45 port used in switches, routers and other networking devices. The most common use Ethernet data connections from desktop PC network cards, switches and routers. This cable contains eight wires configured in pairs with the two wires of each pair twisted around each other.The original RJ45 has eight pins inside and two connectors. The last two pins are used for a programmable resistor.

9. PCI-Express(PCI-e) slot is located on motherboard. PCI-e has super high speed data transfer rate. PCI-Express slot is generaly use to connect Graphic Card , Sound Card , LAN Card etc.

   

10. Video ports: These ports allow for the connection of external video devices, such as displays, projectors, and televisions.

11. Firewire (IEEE 1394): This type of port is used for high-speed data transfer between computer devices, such as digital cameras, camcorders, and external hard drives.

12. PS/2 ports: This type of port is used for connecting keyboards and mice to the computer.

These are some of the most common types of I/O ports. The specific type of port required will depend on the external device being used and the computer's configuration. In general, I/O ports provide a way for the computer to interact with external devices and to transfer data in and out of the computer, making them an essential component of any computer system.

In computer system there are so many input output ports available for different purpose. some I/O ports are SATA port, serial port, parallel port,DVI, thunderbolt, modem, USB-A, PS-2 port etc.

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