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legacy port

File:Parallelport PCI Controller.jpg implemented as a PCI card. Users can use expansion cards to add deprecated legacy ports to newer computer systems that do not provide them.]]

In computing, a legacy port is a computer port or connector that is considered by some to be fully or partially superseded.[https://web.archive.org/web/20110606072603/http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/legacy definition of legacy from Oxford Dictionaries Online] The replacement ports usually provide most of the functionality of the legacy ports with higher speeds, more compact design, or plug and play and hot swap capabilities for greater ease of use. Modern PC motherboards use separate Super I/O controllers to provide legacy ports, since current chipsets do not offer direct support for them. A category of computers called legacy-free PCs omits these ports, typically retaining only USB for external expansion.

USB adapters are often used to provide legacy ports if they are required on systems not equipped with them.

Common legacy ports

class="wikitable"
Legacy portTypical appearanceTypical usesReplacement(s)
Centronics port, parallel portFile:Parallel computer printer port.jpgPrinter,{{cite web|url=http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/archive/lf.mspx |title=Archived White Papers |publisher=Microsoft.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-21}} scanner, removable mediaUSB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
External parallel SCSIFile:Mac lc scsi port.jpgRemovable mediaUSB, Thunderbolt, Serial Attached SCSI
AT connector / DINFile:5pin180dinplug.jpgKeyboardrowspan=5| USB
Serial port / RS-232File:Serial port.jpgConsole, modem, mouse
Game port / DA-15File:Da-15 port.PNGMIDI, gaming devices such as joysticks
PS/2 port / 6-pin mini-DINrowspan=3| File:PS2 MOUSE KEYBOARD CONNECTOR MINI-DIN F IMG 1231.JPGKeyboard, mouse{{cite web |author=Computing |url=http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,537054,00.asp |title=Build It: Legacy Free PC |publisher=ExtremeTech |date=2002-09-17 |accessdate=2013-12-21 }}{{Dead link|date=November 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |last=Fisco |first=Richard |url=https://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1778354,00.asp |title=Top Ten Buying Tips - Desktop PCs: The Essential Consumer Buying Guide |publisher=PCMag.com |date=2005-03-22 |accessdate=2013-12-21 |archive-date=2013-12-24 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131224085708/http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,2817,1778354,00.asp |url-status=dead }}
Apple Desktop Bus / mini-DINLow speed external peripherals; such as keyboard, mouse, or joystick
LocalTalk / mini-DINOldWorld Macintosh printer and LANUSB, Wi-Fi, Ethernet
Bus Industry Standard Architecture (ISA)File:Isa1.jpgConnect peripheral cards to motherboardPCI, PCI Express
VGA / DE-15File:SVGA port.jpgDisplay connector[http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,2845,838251,00.asp] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611030205/http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0%2C2845%2C838251%2C00.asp|date=June 11, 2010}}DVI, HDMI, DisplayPort
Parallel ATA{{cite web|url=http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-pata.htm |title=What Is PATA? (with picture) |publisher=Wisegeek.com |date=2013-12-03 |accessdate=2013-12-21}}File:Harddisk Parallel ATA.jpgInternal hard drives, CD-ROMSerial ATA, M.2
Floppy drive connectorFile:FDD with Cables.JPGFloppy drives, tape drivesUSB
IEEE 1394 (FireWire)File:IEEE 1394 Firewire PCI Expansion Card Digon3.jpgVideo devices, external storageUSB 3.0, Thunderbolt
Accelerated Graphics PortFile:AGP at ECS P4VMM2.JPGGraphics cardPCI Express
PC CardFile:Xircom Realport PCMCIA and CardBus notch.jpgLaptop storage cards, other peripheralsExpressCard, USB

See also

References

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Category:Computer buses

Category:Legacy hardware

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