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Instructions:
Click on each port above to learn its name and purpose. Use the Rear View and Side View buttons to rotate the laptop.
When you have learned about all 8 ports, click the "Skip to Challenge" button.
S-Video or TV-out Port
A port used to connect the computer to a TV via a cable. The S-Video port divides video information into two separate signals, one for brightness and one for color, producing sharp images on TV.
Ethernet or Network Port
A port used to connect the computer to a network. It enables faster connection and networking. A cable
plugged into the network port can connect the computer
to a network hub or directly to a cable or DSL modem or
to an Internet gateway. It is slightly wider than a standard telephone jack.
Modem Port
A port used to connect a telephone line to the computer’s internal modem. The modem enables the computer to transmit data over a telephone line by converting digital data into analog data and vice versa. A modem is used to connect the computer to an internet service provider. It looks like a standard telephone jack.
Universal Serial Bus (USB) Ports
These ports are used to connect peripheral devices to your computer quickly and easily. USB ports may be used to connect, among other devices, mice, printers, and scanners. Most computers come with at least two USB ports.
In 2003, USB 2.0 connectors were introduced on computers. These transfer data at 480 Mbps. Older USB devices work with USB 2.0 ports, but at 12 Mbps. USB 2.0 devices also work with older USB ports, again at the lower speed.
Digital Visual Interface (DVI) Port
A single, standard video port with 24 pins that connects
the computer to digital monitors such as flat panel display monitors and digital projectors. It maximizes image quality by maintaining digital signals throughout the entire connection instead of converting from digital to analog, which degrades visual quality.
Video Card Port (Video DB9-15)
This port is used to connect the computer to an external
monitor. It is smaller than the DVI port and has 15 holes instead of pins.
Power
This port receives power for the computer. It converts AC power to the DC power needed by the computer.
Firewire (IEEE 1394)
This is an external bus that supports the high-speed transfer of large amounts of information. Because it supports isochronous data – the delivering of data in real time – it is ideal for devices that need to deliver large amounts of information in real time, such as video devices. It is most often used to transfer data from camcorders and video equipment to the computer.
Secure Digital I/O Slot
This slot accommodates a secure digital card, a tiny flash memory card that makes storage portable among various devices including cellular phones, digital cameras, PDA’s, personal computers and others. The card is about the size of a postage stamp and weighs 2 grams.
Ethernet/Network Port
Modem Port
USB Port
DVI Port
Video Card Port
Firewire Port
Secure Digital I/O Slot
S-Video Port
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