1. Hardware: Cables & Connectors
Computer Literacy Unit 1

2. IDE Integrated Drive Electronics
Older type of connector for hard drives, floppy drives, and optical drives.

3. SATA Serial Advanced Technology Attachment
Newer, smaller type of connector for hard drives, floppy drives, and optical drives. Faster than IDE.

4. IDE vs. SATA

5. USB Universal Serial Bus
Used for many different things – keyboards, mice, flash drives, printers, smart phones, tablets, external hard drives, etc.

6. PS/2
Personal
System 2
Based on old IBM technology. Old type of connector for keyboards and mice.

7. VGA Video Graphics Adapter
Most common type of connector for computer monitors.

8. HDMI High Definition Multimedia Interface
Carries both video and sound signal. Used in newer electronics to connect monitors, TVs, game consoles, laptops, tablets, Blu-Ray players, etc.

9. DVI Digital Visual Interface
Connects computers to high-definition displays – better than VGA for HD.

10. CAT-5 / Ethernet
Connects computers and routers to high-speed networks (like cable or DSL internet connections).