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Chapter 2: Sound Byte Labs

Port Tour

Introduction: The back of a computer can be a confusing maze of plugs, cables, and connectors. Each time you buy something new for your computer, you need to figure out which kind of connector you have and where to plug it in.

Learn what the different kinds of ports are, how they are different from each other, and how to tell which ones you need.

1.

How are ports different from each other?

 

2. Serial ports come in two main variations, which are based on:  

3. Which of these is a real port?  

4. Which port would you be least likely to hook a printer up to?  

5.

Write the letter of the best definition next to each term. There will be extra definitions left over.

 

Using the pulldown boxes, match each item on the left to the corresponding item at right.

A. A very expandable and adaptable kind of port
B. A very high speed port to transfer data quickly
C. Required to connect to networks or cable modems
D. Allows you to add additional ports
E. Communicates without wires
F. Where you’ll find a joystick connector for games
 

6.

Projects

Explore Your Own System

Task: Take a close look at the computer you are using now or a computer your instructor directs you to use.

Assignment:

a. List all of the ports available on your computer.

b. Are there any that were not covered in the sound byte? If so, describe them.

c. Which ports are being used? (Place an "X" next to the name of each port being used in your list from step a above.)

d. How many cables are connected to your computer? (not including the power cable)

 

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

7.

Find Out More About Extending Your Computer's Capabilities

Task: USB hubs can be plugged into any USB port to add a variety of other ports to your computer.

Assignment: Shop for a USB hub at your local computer retail store or online to compare features and prices. Fill in the following information

Manufacturer:

Model: Cost:

Features:

Would it work with the computer you are using now? (You need to know what operating system you are using)

Where you found it:

Photo or drawing:

Resources:

 

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

8.

Look Into New Technology

Task: Choose one of the new computer connection "gadgets" available and describe its features.

Assignment: Visit one of the sites below.

What "gadget" did you select?
What is the URL for the information you found?
Is the "gadget" placed inside the computer (internal) or outside the computer (external)?
What does it do for you?
Does it have any special features?
Will it work for both PCs and MACs?

Resources:

 

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

9.

Compare and Contrast

Task: Discover the differences between interfaces.

Assignment: Visit two of the sites below to learn more about computer interfaces. Fill in the chart by describing the features of the ports you have chosen.

Type of port      
Does it have other names?      
What kind of connector?      
When was it standardized or introduced?      
Data transfer rate      
Something unique about this interface      

Resources:

 

To create paragraphs in your essay response, type <p> at the beginning of the paragraph, and </p> at the end.

Answer choices in this exercise are randomized and will appear in a different order each time the page is loaded.
 




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