Serial Ports
Serial ports come in two sizes, 9 pin and 25 pin. The computer-side connector will be male. (Older video types use the female 9-pin type.) Often there will be one of each size showing in the same slot on the back of the computer. Notice that the connector has angled sides so that the plug can fit only one way. Many devices use a serial port, including the computer mouse and external modems. A serial port sends data one bit at a time.
There is another kind of port that
newer mice used, called a PS/2 port or mouse port.
A mouse port should be colored green. Purple is for the keyboard.