Take a look at the front and back of your computer case and count the number of buttons, ports, and slots you see. Now look at your monitor and count any you find there. You probably counted at least 10, and maybe a lot more.
Each computer is different, so the buttons, ports, and sockets will vary from computer to computer. However, there are certain ones you can expect to find on most desktop computers. Learning how these ports are used will help whenever you need to connect something to your computer, like a new printer, keyboard, or mouse.
Watch the video below to learn about the buttons, ports, and slots on a desktop computer.
Looking for the old version of this video? You can still view it here.
Front of a computer case
Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the front of a computer.
Optical Disc Drive
Often called a CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive, this lets your computer read CDs and DVDs.
Power Button
The power button is used to turn the computer on and off.
Audio Ports
Many computers have audio ports on the front for easily connecting headphones or microphones.
USB Ports
USB ports are used to connect almost any type of device, including mice, keyboards, printers, and digital cameras.
Back of a computer case
The back of a computer case has connection ports that are made to fit specific devices. The placement will vary from computer to computer, and many companies have their own special connectors for specific devices. Some of the ports may be color coded to help you determine which port is used with a particular device.
Click the buttons in the interactive below to become familiar with the back of a computer.
Power Socket
This is where you connect the power cord to the computer.
Audio In/Out
Almost every computer has audio ports on the back. Green is usually for headphones/speakers, and Pink is for microphones.
Ethernet Port
This port looks like a large phone jack. It is used for connecting to the internet via a network cable.
USB Ports
Most computers have several USB ports on the back for devices you keep plugged in (like a mouse and keyboard).
Monitor Port
This is where you connect the computer to the monitor. It might be a blue VGA port, a DVI port, or an HDMI port.
Other types of ports
There are many other types of ports, such as FireWire, Thunderbolt, and HDMI. If your computer has ports you don't recognize, you should consult your manual for more information.
Peripherals you can use with your computer
The most basic computer setup usually includes the computer case, monitor, keyboard, and mouse, but you can plug many different types of devices into the extra ports on your computer. These devices are called peripherals. Let's take a look at some of the most common ones.
- Printers: A printer is used to print documents, photos, and anything else that appears on your screen. There are many types of printers, including inkjet, laser, and photo printers. There are even all-in-one printers, which can also scan and copy documents.
- Scanners: A scanner allows you to copy a physical image or document and save it to your computer as a digital (computer-readable) image. Many scanners are included as part of an all-in-one printer, although you can also buy a separate flatbed or handheld scanner.
- Speakers/headphones: Speakers and headphones are output devices, which means they send information from the computer to the user—in this case, they allow you to hear sound and music. Depending on the model, they may connect to the audio port or the USB port. Some monitors also have built-in speakers.
- Microphones: A microphone is a type of input device, or a device that receives information from a user. You can connect a microphone to record sound or talk with someone else over the Internet. Many laptop computers come with built-in microphones.
- Web cameras: A web camera—or webcam—is a type of input device that can record videos and take pictures. It can also transmit video over the Internet in real time, which allows for video chat or video conferencing.
- Game controllers and joysticks: A game controller is used to control computer games. There are many other types of controllers you can use, including joysticks, although you can also use your mouse and keyboard to control most games.
- Digital cameras: A digital camera lets you capture pictures and videos in a digital format. By connecting the camera to your computer's USB port, you can transfer the images from the camera to the computer.
- Mobile phones, MP3 players, and tablets: Whenever you buy an electronic device, check to see if it comes with a USB cable. If it does, this means you can most likely connect it to your computer.
Common Questions
What is a peripheral device?
A peripheral is any external device that provides input or output for the computer, such as a printer, scanner, microphone, or webcam. They are not essential to the computer's operation but add functionality.
What are USB ports used for?
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are the standard connection for many devices. You can use them to plug in mice, keyboards, printers, phones, cameras, and external hard drives.
How do I know where to plug in my headphones?
Look for a small round port, often colored green, with a headphones symbol. This is the Audio Out port. It is usually found on both the front and back of the computer case.
What is an Ethernet port?
An Ethernet port looks like a large telephone jack. It is used to connect your computer to the internet or a local network using a wired cable, which often provides a faster connection than Wi-Fi.
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