tower case: back view

audio jack

Connection device that attaches the computer to a variety of sound recording and reproduction equipment such as a microphone and loudspeakers.

game/MIDI port

Connector that attaches the computer to a game device (e.g., a joystick) or a digital musical instrument.

case fan

Device blowing air to cool the internal components of the tower case.

network port

Connector that attaches the computer to a network.

power supply fan

Device blowing air to cool the internal components of the power supply unit.

power cable plug

Device with metal prongs that connects the computer by power cable to an electric circuit.

mouse port

Round connector that links the computer to the mouse.

keyboard port

Round connector that links the computer to the keyboard.

USB port

Connector used to link several USB standard peripherals simultaneously; it is faster than serial and parallel ports.

serial port

Connector used to attach a computer to various peripherals such as an external modem; it is slower than a parallel port as it exchanges only one bit at a time.

internal modem port

Connector used to attach the internal modem (a two-way digital signal changing device) to a telephone line.

video port

Connector used to attach the computer monitor to the video board; the latter is inserted in the tower case and controls the display of texts and graphics.

parallel port

Connector used mainly to attach the computer to a printer; it is faster than a serial port as it exchanges data in eight-bit groups.