PC Connections

A typical computer connects to the world around it in three different ways: input/output devices, ports and networking.

Input/Output
No matter how powerful the components inside your computer are, you need a way to interact with them. This interaction is called input/output (I/O). The most common types of I/O in PCs are:

• Monitor - The monitor is the primary device for displaying information from the computer.

• Keyboard - The keyboard is the primary device for entering information into the computer.

• Mouse - The mouse is the primary device for navigating and interacting with the computer

• Removable storage - Removable storage devices allow you to add new information to your computer very easily, as well as save information that you want to carry to a different location.
  • Floppy disk - The most common form of removable storage, floppy disks are extremely inexpensive and easy to save information to.
  • CD-ROM - CD-ROM (compact disc, read-only memory) is a popular form of distribution of commercial software. Many systems now offer CD-R (recordable) and CD-RW (rewritable), which can also record.
  • Flash memory - Based on a type of ROM called electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), Flash memory provides fast, permanent storage. CompactFlash, SmartMedia and PCMCIA cards are all types of Flash memory.
  • DVD-ROM - DVD-ROM (digital versatile disc, read-only memory) is similar to CD-ROM but is capable of holding much more information.

Ports

• Parallel - This port is commonly used to connect a printer.
• Serial - This port is typically used to connect an external modem.
• Universal Serial Bus (USB) - Quickly becoming the most popular external connection, USB ports offer power and versatility and are incredibly easy to use.
• FireWire (IEEE 1394) - FireWire is a very popular method of connecting digital-video devices, such as camcorders or digital cameras, to your computer.

Click on the various PC part labels to learn more about how they work.

Internet/Network

• Modem - This is the standard method of connecting to the Internet.
• Local area network (LAN) card - This is used by many computers, particularly those in an Ethernet office network, to connected to each other.
• Cable modem - This type of modem uses the cable TV system in your home to connect to the Internet.
• Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) modem - This is a high-speed connection that works over a standard telephone line.
• Very high bit-rate DSL (VDSL) modem - A newer variation of DSL, VDSL requires that your phone line have fiber-optic cables.

Now that you are familiar with the parts of a PC, let's see what happens in a typical computer session.