Parallel Port and USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port

Ports

A port is basically an interface between the computer and the output devices like printer, speakers, mouse, etc. Besides, it can be of many types like serial port, parallel port, USB Port, etc. Moreover, we know that the processing speed of the CPU and memory is much faster than the input/output devices. Hence, it is important to take care that the data lines do not engage for a long time else it can affect the overall performance. Therefore, we connect these devices through the ports.

Characteristics of computer ports

• We use the ports to connect external devices like printers, USB, speakers, etc.
• Ports in other words are slots on the motherboard to which we connect the external devices.

Types of Ports

The ports are of different types as follows:

• Serial Port
• Parallel Port
• PS/2 Port
• USB Port
• VGA Port
• Game Port
• Modem Port etc.

Let us study the parallel port and USB port in detail.

Parallel Port

In contrast to the serial port, parallel ports perform a parallel communication interface. Moreover, it can transfer multiple bits at a time. Besides they also connect devices like printers and scanners. We can also call them printer port. Furthermore, they contain 25 pins, and the speed of data travel is 150-kilo bits per second.

Characteristics of Parallel Ports

• Transfer multiple bits at a time.
• It can send/receive 8 bits/1 byte at a time.
• It contains 25 female pins.
• Connects devices like printer, external HDD, scanners, etc. to the computer.
• The most common parallel port is the printer port. Its other name is Centronics port.
• Data travel speed is 150 kilobits per second.

Browse more Topics under Input Output Ports/ Connections

• Serial
• PS-2 Port
• Infrared Port
• Bluetooth Port
• Firewire

USB (Universal Serial Bus) Port

The USB port is the standard interface for connecting the computer to external devices like printer, camera, keyboard, speaker, etc. Besides, we can say that it is an industry-standard for short-distance digital data communication.

Characteristics of the USB port

• It can connect almost all the common devices such as a printer, keyboard, mouse, speakers, etc.
• Generally, 2-3 such ports are present in the computer system.
• Its speed is much faster than the serial port.
• The data transfer speed is 14 Mbps.
• Devices connected to this port get power from the USB port itself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are ports?

A1. A port is basically an interface between the computer and the output devices like printer, speakers, mouse, etc. Besides, it can be of many types like serial port, parallel port, USB Port, etc.

Q2. What are the different types of ports?

A2. The ports are of different types as follows:

• Serial Port
• Parallel Port
• PS/2 Port
• USB Port
• VGA Port
• Game Port
• Modem Port etc.

Q3. What is a parallel port?

A3. In contrast to the serial port, parallel ports perform a parallel communication interface. Moreover, it can transfer multiple bits at a time.

Q4. What is a USB port?

A4. The USB port is the standard interface for connecting the computer to external devices like printer, camera, keyboard, speaker, etc. Besides, we can say that it is an industry-standard for short-distance digital data communication.