Plugs and Ports

There are many types of plugs and ports for computers. Add a new page to your Google Doc, then:

Look at the ports on your computer. Using the information below define and write down information for the ports you have.

Add these questions to your Google Doc and answer them:

What is the visual difference between a USB 3.0 port and USB 2.0?
What does the word Legacy mean when talking about computers or computer software?
What are 3 reasons PS/2 ports are still found on some motherboards?

USB 1.0 - Introduced in 1996. Max speed 12mbps

USB 2.0 - Introduced in 2000 - Max speed of 60mbps

USB 3.0, 3.1, 3.2 - Introduced in 2008 - Max speed of 5gbps, max of 10gbps for 3.2

USB 4.0 - Introduced in 2019 - Max speed 40gbps

USB -C

The USB-C connector looks similar to a micro USB connector at first glance. But if you look closer, you will see it's more oval in shape and slightly thicker to accommodate its best feature: flippability.

USB-C connectors use USB 4.0 technology. In addition to high data transfer speeds they also support higher power delivery. Because of this they are able to charge laptops. Apple's next gen iPhones will also have USB-C ports.

More types of USB plugs!

HDMI: Audio and video signal, best for TV to PC connections.

DVI: Video only, perfect for older systems or for 144Hz at 1080p.

DisplayPort (DP): The best connector for an audio and video signal, and can transmit 144Hz up to 4K.

VGA: Old, legacy video connector. Only to be used when nothing else available.

USB-C: Formally known as USB Type-C. Connects to both hosts and devices, replacing various electrical connectors including USB-B and USB-A, HDMI, DisplayPort and 3.5mm audio cables and connectors.

Thunderbolt: A hardware interface developed by Intel (in collaboration with Apple) that allows the connection of external peripherals and monitors to a computer. Thunderbolt 1 and 2 use the same connector as Mini DisplayPort, and Thunderbolt 3 uses the USB-C connector from USB.

RJ45 is a type of connector commonly used for Ethernet networking. It looks similar to a telephone jack, but is slightly wider. Since Ethernet cables have an RJ45 connector on each end, Ethernet cables are sometimes also called RJ45 cables.

The PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN connector used for connecting keyboards and mice to a PC compatible computer system. Its name comes from the IBM Personal System/2 series of personal computers, with which it was introduced in 1987.

PS/2 ports, although old and considered a legacy component, are still in use in some cases. Read more about it here.

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