A range of devices can be connected to the input / output ports. Some are shown below. They are usually connected to one of the serial or USB ports although the printer and keyboard have separate ports. Can you think of any other devices that can be connected to a computer unit?

INPUT DEVICES

Input ports are connections at the back of a computer. Input devices are connected to these ports, for example, a keyboard which is used to type data into a computer.
An interface such as a ‘Smart Box’ is connected to a COMMS PORT (another name for a port) at the back of a computer. Sensors can be connected to the smart box and temperature readings or light levels can be read on the computer screen.

OUTPUT DEVICES

Output ports, are found at the back of the computer.
A good example is a parallel port which is where the printer is connected to the computer. It is known as an output port because data from the computer travels down the ribbon cable between the computer and the printer and is printed on paper. A printout is also known as a hard copy.

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