NovitaTech - Regency Park

When ordering hardware to plug into your computer (such as switch interfaces, keyboards or mouse alternatives,) you may see a range of options for cables or connections.  If you are unsure of which of these you need, check your computer to see where the keyboard or mouse plugs in, and match it with the pictures below.  If you need any help choosing, please do not hesitate to call.

USB connection – found on many Windows and Macintosh computers.  Any new computer should have several USB ports. 
Used for keyboard, mouse and many other devices such as digital cameras, music players or handheld computers. 

PS/2 connection – found on many Windows computers.  Most Windows desktop computers will have a PS/2 connection for keyboard and mouse.  New laptops might not have a PS/2 connection.
Used for keyboard and mouse.

Serial connection  – found on most Windows computers (usually called a COM or communications port).  New Windows computers might not have a serial connection.
Used for some older mice and other older devices like external modems or digital cameras. 

AT connection – found on some older Windows computers.  New computers will usually not have an AT connection.
Used for some older keyboards.

ADB connection – found on older Macintosh computers.  New Macintosh computers will not have an ADB port.  Used for old keyboards and mouses.
If you have a Macintosh computer with an ADB port it may be possible to use an iMate converter (made by Griffin, available through your Apple dealer) to plug in a USB device.  However, before purchasing a new device for an old computer we suggest that you check that the computer has enough memory to run the new device.

This page last updated: 9 April 2003
URL for this page: http://www.novitatech.org.au/content.asp?p=434