What is Port?

On computer and telecommunication devices, a port (noun) is generally a specific place for being physically connected to some other device, usually with a socket and plug of some kind. Typically, a personal computer is provided with one or more serial ports and usually one parallel port. Types of Ports: Parallel An interface on a computer that supports transmission of multiple bits at the same time; almost exclusively used for connecting a printer. On IBM or compatible computers, the parallel port uses a 25-pin connector. Serial It is a general-purpose personal computer communications port in which 1 bit of information is transferred at a time. In the past, most digital cameras were connected to a computer's serial port in order to transfer images to the computer. Recently, however, the serial port is being replaced by the much faster USB port on digital cameras as well as computers. SCSI A port that's faster than the serial and parallel ports but slower and harder to configure than the newer USB port. Also know as the Small Computer System Interface. A high-speed connection that enables devices, such as hard-disk drives and network adapters, to be attached to a computer. USB USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a plug-and-play hardware interface for peripherals such as the keyboard, mouse, joystick, scanner, printer and modem. USB has a maximum bandwidth of 12 Mbits/sec and up to 127 devices can be attached. With USB, a new device can be added to your computer without having to add an adapter card. It typically is located at the back of the PC Firewire FireWire is simply a really fast port that lets you connect computer peripherals and consumer electronics to your computer without the need to restart. It is a simple common plug-in serial connector on the back of your computer. It has the ability to chain devices together in a number of different ways without terminators for example, simply join 2 computers with a FireWire cable for instant highspeed networking.