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Finding Your Way Around

 

 

 

The 3.5 mm headphone jack lets you connect stereo headphones or other audio-output devices, such as external speakers. Connecting headphones or other devices to this jack automatically disables the internal speakers.

The parallel port lets you connect a parallel printer, or other parallel device, including ECP-compatible devices.

DEFINITION: ECP (Extended Capabilities Port) is a parallel-port standard for PCs that support bi-directional communication between the PC and attached devices (such as a printer).

Use the serial port to connect a serial mouse, serial printer, or other serial device.

The monitor port allows you to connect an external monitor.

The USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports allow you to connect USB peripherals to your computer, such as a keyboard, pointing device, printer, or monitor.

DEFINITION: USB is a peripheral expansion standard that supports a data-transfer rate of up to 12 Mbps. USB peripherals have a single standard for cables and connectors.

The USB standard allows you to install and remove USB devices while the computer is on. Switching devices without turning off the computer is called “hot swapping.”