Ports are connecting sockets, used to connect peripheral devices on the system unit.
Description
Hardware ports are usually male or female type.
Software ports are virtual or logical connection needed to exchange information between the programs.
Several hardware ports are available at backside of the cabinet like keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, modem etc.
Types of Ports
Serial ports:
Data is transferred one bit at a time.
Very good for long distance.
Mouse, keyboard and video uses serial ports.
Parallel ports:
To connect external devices that sends lot of data over a short distance.
Sends 8 bit data simultaneously over 8 pins.
Mostly used in printers.
Ethernet ports:
Also called as RJ45 ports.
Most computer and laptop includes one built-in Ethernet port for connecting to a wired Local Area Network (LAN).
Data rate speed varies from 10 MBPS - 1000 MBPS depending upon the type of port used like 10BaseT - 10 MBPS, 100BaseT - 100 MBPS and Giga Ethernet - 1000 MBPS.