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In information science, connectors, normally called "input-output connectors" (or I/O for short), are interfaces for linking devices by using cables. They generally have a male end with pins protruding from it. This plug is meant to be inserted into a female part (also called a socket), which includes holes for accommodating the pins. However, there are "hermaphroditic" plugs which can act as either male or female plugs, and can be inserted into either one.
The pins and holes in connectors are usually linked to the electric wires which form the cable. The pin layout describes which pins couple with which wires.
Each numbered pin generally corresponds to a wire within the cable, but sometimes one of the pins is left unused. Additionally, in some cases, two pins may be linked to one another; this is called a "bridge."
The computer's motherboard has a certain number of input-ouput connectors located on the "rear panel."
Most motherboards have the following connectors:
