When you look at a computer, you can see that there are different types of sockets, called "ports". These allow you to connect new peripherals to your computer.

1. One socket for connecting headphones and one for a microphone.

2. A memory card reader which, for example, allows you to read your camera's memory card. A USB 3.0 port to connect an external hard drive, a USB key, etc.

3. A USB 3.0 port to connect an external hard drive, a USB key, etc.

4. An HDMI port that allows for example to connect the computer to a modern TV.

5. An Ethernet port to connect a cable giving access to a network and the Internet.

6. A VGA port to connect the computer to a projector.

7. USB 2.0 ports to connect a mouse, an external hard drive, a USB key ...

Ports USB

Among all the ports presented above, we are going to dig deeper into USB ports. Indeed, there are many of them on your computer (the number depends on the computer model), because they are used by many devices. They allow you for example to connect a keyboard, a mouse, a printer, a camera, a USB key, an external hard drive, an mp3 player, a GPS (to update it) , …

You can usually locate these ports by the USB icon:    

Currently, there are devices with USB 2.0 or 3.0 . the 3.0 is newer and faster. Their sockets are usually recognizable by their blue tab( this is not always the case) and logo.

Note : to take advantage of the speed of USB 3.0 , you must have a USB 3.0 port on your computer AND a USB 3.0 device (external hard drive, USB key, etc …). If you plug a USB 3.0 hard drive into a USB 2.0 port, you will not be able to enjoy the speed of USB 3.0.

There are also peripherals with USB C. This has the particularity of being reversible, that is to say that you do not have to worry about the direction in which you position the plug, unlike with the ‘USB 2.0 and 3.0’ .

This connector is thinner than USB 2.0 and 3.0, making it suitable for devices such as smartphones, tablets or ultra-thin laptops.

There are still a lot of new and modern Ports:

1. DisplayPort ( DP) : Video & Audio Port for Home Theater System
2. DVI : Digital Video Interface