Dell PowerEdge 2300 User's Guide - Page 113
I/O Ports and Connectors
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This appendix provides specific information about the input/output (I/O) ports and connectors on the back panel of the computer. The I/O ports and connectors on the back panel of the computer are the gateways through which the computer system communicates with external devices, such as a keyboard, mouse, printer, and monitor. Figure B-1 identifies the I/O ports and connectors for your system. The two built-in serial ports use 9-pin D-subminiature connectors on the back panel. These ports support devices such as external modems, printers, plotters, and mice that require serial data transmission (the transmission of data one bit at a time over one line). Most software uses the term COM (for communications) plus a number to designate a serial port (for example, COM1 or COM2). The default designations of your computer's built-in serial ports are COM1 and COM2. COM1 is the bottom connector; COM2 is on the top. The built-in parallel port uses a 25-pin D-subminiature connector on the computer's back panel. This I/O port sends data in parallel format (where eight data bits, or one byte, are sent simultaneously over eight separate lines in a single cable). The parallel port is used primarily for printers. Most software uses the term LPT (for line printer) plus a number to designate a parallel port (for example, LPT1). The default designation of the computer's built-in parallel port is LPT1. Port designations are used, for example, in software installation procedures that include a step in which you identify the port to which a printer is attached, thus telling the software where to send its output. (An incorrect designation prevents the printer from printing or causes scrambled print.) I/O Ports and Connectors B-1