Identifying Cables and Connectors
Because printers and modems can both use 9-pin and 25-pin connectors and cables, a computer technician must be able to identify the function of the cables by their connectors. Other devices, such as monitors and game ports, use 15-pin connectors. Cable identification can be confusing, but it is important. The following table summarizes how to identify common cables and connectors.
| Function | Computer Connector | Cable Connector |
|---|---|---|
| Communication (serial) | 9-pin or 25-pin male | 9-pin or 25-pin female |
| Printer (parallel) | 25-pin female | 25-pin male |
| Monitor (VGA and SVGA) | 15-pin female (three rows of pins) | 15-pin male (three rows of pins) |
| Monitor (MGA and CGA) | 9-pin female | 9-pin male |
| Game port (joystick) | 15-pin female (two rows of pins) | 15-pin male (two rows of pins) |
| Keyboard | 5-pin DIN female or 6-pin DIN female (PS/2) | 5-pin DIN male or 6-pin DIN male (PS/2) |