Introduction to motherboards

The primary component of a computer is the motherboard (sometimes called the "mainboard"). The motherboard is the hub which is used to connect all of the computer's essential components.

As its name suggests, the motherboard acts as a "parent" board, which takes the form of a large printed circuit with connectors for expansion cards, memory modules, the processor, etc.

The input-output connectors

The motherboard has a certain number of input/output sockets found on the rear panel.

Most motherboards have the following connectors:

• A serial port, for connecting old peripherals;
• A parallel port, mainly for connecting old printers;
• USB ports (1.1, low-speed, or 2.0, high-speed), for connecting more recent peripherals;
• RJ45 connector (called LAN or ethernet port) used for connecting the computer to a network. It corresponds to a network card integrated into the motherboard;
• VGA connector (called SUB-D15), for connecting a monitor. This connector interfaces with the built-in graphics card;
• Audio plugs (Line-In, Line-Out and microphone), for connecting sound speakers or a hi-fi system, as well as a microphone. This connector interfaces with the built-in sound card;