What Are the Slots on the Back of a PC Called?

When you look at the back of a PC, you will notice several slots that are used to connect various devices. These slots are crucial in expanding the capabilities of your computer and making it more versatile. In this article, we will explore what these slots are called and what their functions are.

1. PCI Slots
The most common type of slot found on the back of a PC is the PCI slot.

These slots are used for expansion cards such as sound cards, network cards, and graphics cards. The PCI slot has been around since the early 90s and has gone through several iterations such as PCI Express (PCIe) which is currently used in modern PCs.

2. USB Ports
USB (Universal Serial Bus) ports are also found on the back of a PC and they allow you to connect various devices such as keyboards, mice, printers, cameras, and external hard drives. USB ports have become ubiquitous in modern computing and most devices now come with a USB connection.

3. Ethernet Ports
Ethernet ports allow you to connect your PC to a wired network or directly to the internet via an Ethernet cable. This type of connection provides faster speeds than Wi-Fi connections and is commonly used in business environments.

4. Audio Jacks
Audio jacks on the back of a PC allow you to connect speakers or headphones directly to your computer’s sound card. There are typically three types of audio jacks found on PCs – microphone jacks, line-in jacks, and line-out jacks.

5. HDMI Ports
HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) ports allow you to connect your PC to an external display such as a TV or monitor that supports HDMI input. This type of connection provides high-definition video quality.

6. VGA Ports
VGA (Video Graphics Array) ports were once the standard connection for monitors but have been replaced by HDMI in recent years. However, older PCs may still have VGA ports and they allow you to connect your PC to a monitor or projector that supports VGA input.

7. DisplayPort
DisplayPort is a newer type of connection that provides high-definition video and audio quality. It is commonly found on modern PCs and allows you to connect to external displays such as monitors or projectors.

In conclusion, the slots on the back of a PC are essential for expanding the capabilities of your computer and connecting it to various devices. The most common types of slots include PCI slots, USB ports, Ethernet ports, audio jacks, HDMI ports, VGA ports, and DisplayPort. Knowing what these slots are called and what their functions are will help you better understand how your computer works.