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Guest post by: Graham Kelly Become an Author

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Most laptop computers have 4 or 5 different input and output connectors so that users can interface it with a number of gadgets to add added functionality. However, most owners have no idea of the way to recognize the connectors or how to connect any extra device to the laptop computer. This article helps the typical laptop operator recognize and judge exactly what gadgets may be connected.

Most laptop computer buyers could almost certainly identify a USB port that is found on almost all present day laptop computers, however USB 1, USB 2 and USB 3 are usually available. The USB 1 and USB 2 ports look the same having 4 pins inside a rectangular slot. The USB 3 is the latest addition having 9 pins within a rectangle slot. Basically, the slowest is the USB 1 and the fastest is the USB 3, however, USB 1 and USB 2 are pin compatible such that gadgets can be interchanged. USB 3 is the most up to date design, but is not pin compatible with the USB 1 and USB 2 connections. The USB ports are definitely the most flexible connectors on a laptop, permitting connection to the maximum number of input devices from a RAM drive to a WI-FI dongle etc. Normally, connection can be made successfully with the the least effort, just installing the application driver and linking the device.

Most but not all laptop computers possess a VGA or HDMI output connector. A VGA connector is identified as a rectangular connector with rounded edges having three rows of five pin holes. The HDMI connector is identified as an oblong connector with both ends triangle shaped and having one row of 9 connectors and one row of 10 connectors. It is flatter and longer compared to the VGA connector. The VGA output permits the laptop computer to be connected to a monitor and some models of Television. The HDMI connector enables almost all of the modern TVs to be connected to the most up to date laptop computers to give a hires TV picture.

Audio connectors are recognized as small round holes. The simplest is a phono or jack connector either mono or stereo. There could be various added sound connectors related to microphone input or line input or line output connectors; these are usually clearly labeled next to the connector.

For connecting directly to a network or connect with the internet nearly all laptops use a network or RJ45 connector. This has 8 pins enclosed by a square metal or plastic cover. The cable is held in and released by a springy plastic clip. Some of the older laptop computers use a smaller 4 pin connector designed for a dial-up modem to telephone connection that was formerly employed for internet connection.

It is obviously crucial that you recognize and are aware of the purpose of a connector before a plug is inserted. Forcing the wrong form of plug, or the correct one upside down will almost certainly damage the connector and doubtless damage the laptop computer. Special care needs to be used when inserting a USB plug as it is possible to force it in the wrong way round and damage the inner connector, laptop computer and device.

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