PCs For Dummies, 13th Edition

Chapter 10

System Expansion

In This Chapter

Understanding ports

Using the USB port

Adding and removing USB gizmos

Adding even more USB ports

Installing expansion cards

Connecting to a Bluetooth peripheral

It’s relatively easy for a human being to expand. I’m expanding all the time! Of course, the expansion I’m experiencing doesn’t add new options or features to my system, at least not new features I’m eager to have. With a PC, however, such expansion is both possible and desirable. Indeed, you have at your disposal many beneficial ways to expand your computer system, none of which involves adult beverages, donuts, or pizza.

It’s a Port

Your PC is adorned with various connectors. These connectors are known by various technical names, though they’re commonly called holes, jacks, and ports. Of those terms, port is the best.

A port is more than a hole. It defines the shape of the hole ...