Dell GX1 Parallel Port Connector, Mouse Connector, USB Connectors, Integrated NIC Connector

Introduction: Dell OptiPlex GX1 Low-Profile Managed PC Systems

Parallel Port Connector

The integrated parallel port uses a 25-pin D-subminiature connector on the computer's back panel.

This I/O port sends data in parallel format (where 8 data bits, or 1 byte, are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines in a single cable). The parallel port is used primarily for printers.

The default designation of your computer's integrated parallel port is LPT1. Port designations are used, for example, in software installation procedures to identify the port to which your printer is attached, thus telling your software where to send its output. (An incorrect designation prevents the printer from printing or causes scrambled print.)

NOTE: The integrated parallel port is automatically disabled if the system detects an installed expansion card containing a parallel port configured to the same address as specified in the Parallel Port option in the System Setup Program.

Mouse Connector

Your system uses a PS/2-compatible mouse. The mouse cable attaches to a 6-pin miniature Deutsche Inductive Norm (DIN) connector on the back panel of your computer. Turn off the computer and any attached peripherals before connecting a mouse to the computer.

A PS/2-compatible mouse works as does an industry-standard serial mouse or bus mouse except that it has its own dedicated connector, which frees up the serial ports and does not require an expansion card. Mouse driver software gives the mouse priority with the microprocessor by issuing interrupt request (IRQ) 12 whenever a new mouse movement is made. The drivers also pass along the mouse data to the application that is in control.

USB Connectors

Your system contains two USB connectors for attaching USB-compliant devices. USB-compliant devices are typically peripherals such as keyboards, mice, printers, and computer speakers.

If you reconfigure your hardware, you may need pin number and signal information for the USB connectors.

Integrated NIC Connector

Your system has an integrated 10/100-Mbps 3Com PCI 3C905B-TX Ethernet NIC. The NIC provides all the functions of a separate network expansion card and supports both the 10BASE-T and 100BASE-TX Ethernet standards.

The NIC includes a Wakeup On LAN feature that enables the computer to be started by a special local area network (LAN) signal from a server management console. Wakeup On LAN provides remote computer setup, software downloading and installation, file updates, and asset tracking after hours and on weekends when LAN traffic is typically at a minimum.

The NIC connector on the computer's back panel has the following indicators:

A yellow activity indicator flashes when the system is transmitting or receiving network data. (A high volume of network traffic may make this indicator appear to be in a steady "on" state.)

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