About Your Computer 25
For example, you must connect most devices to a particular I/O port or
connector to operate properly. Also, external devices like a printer
usually require you to load device drivers before they will work.
•When connecting a USB mouse or keyboard, ensure that you connect
to one of the Port 1 USB connectors on the back of the computer.
•Always attach external devices while your computer is turned off. Then
turn on the computer before turning on any external devices, unless
the documentation for the device specifies otherwise.
NOTICE: Before disconnecting a device from the computer, wait 10 to 20
seconds after turning off the computer to avoid possible da mage to the system
board.
Serial Port Connectors
Default serial port designations: COM1 for port 1 and COM2 for port 2.
You can reassign the serial port's designation in system setup if you add an
expansion card containing a serial port using this designation.
If you set the computer’s seri al ports to Auto in syst e m setup and add an
expansion card containing a serial port configured to a specific designation,
the computer automatically maps (assigns) the integrated ports to the
appropriate COM setting as necessary.
Before you add a card with a serial port, c h eck the documentation that
accompanied your software to ensure that the software can be mapped to
the new COM port designation.
Parallel Port Connector
Used to connect printers. Default parallel port designation: LPT1.
NOTE: The integrated parallel port is automatically disabled if the computer
detects an installed expansion card containing a parallel port configure d to the
same address as specified in the Parallel Port option in system setup.
Audio Connectors
The audio controller provides the following connectors:
•Microphone jack—used to connect a standard computer microphone.