[Isabelle Tubbs]

A computer’s expansion options can involve expansion cards for video, audio, peripheral interfaces, and storage. These cards must also be put into the right ports on the computer in order for them to work properly. These expansion options can help boost a computer’s functionality and overall use.

For video, a Video Graphics Array (VGA) or a Digital Visual Interface (DVI) can be used for computer displays. However, these standards are somewhat old, so HDMI can be used instead of DVI to connect to even more devices. A Display Port can be used for monitors with high resolution. With audio, it is important to plug in to the right ports using its color-coded system. If a user wants to connect speakers to play music or use a monitor at work, video and audio expansion are important.

Peripheral interfaces allow the computer to connect and interact with peripheral devices like mice, keyboards, etc. For example, PS/2 was used for keyboards and mice before USB was established, and RS-232 was used for mice, external modems, and more. Therefore, peripheral interfaces are important for users’ actions on their devices for tasks as simple as using a mouse to scroll down on a website page. For storage, Serial AT Attachments (SATA) can help the computer connect to optical drives, hard drives, and solid state drives. This allows a user’s computer to function using information it has stored on its drive, and it allows a user to have the computer storage to save photos or files.