You are now entering the PC Anatomy portal

A PS/2 computer component refers to the hardware, most commonly a keyboard or mouse, that uses the PS/2 (Personal System/2) 6-pin mini-DIN connector to interface with a computer, which allows for bidirectional data transfer. While largely replaced by USB, PS/2 offers advantages like lower latency, phantom power for peripherals, and direct motherboard connection for reliability. Keyboards and mice have different color-coded ports (purple for keyboards, green for mice) for easy identification.

What it is: A PS/2 port is a 6-pin mini-DIN connector that allows keyboards, mice, and other devices to communicate with a computer. The PS/2 itself was also a series of personal computers introduced by IBM in 1987. PS/2 devices can be used for input (like keyboards and trackballs) or output, and sometimes for both data input and output in industrial applications.

How it works: The connection is bidirectional, meaning data can be sent from the device to the computer and vice-versa. It uses dedicated wires for sending and receiving data and a clock signal to synchronize communication. The computer can supply phantom power to the connected peripheral, eliminating the need for separate power supplies for some devices.