Understanding Interface Technology

The processor is the heart of any computer. For this processor to be capable of doing anything, it has to have data on which to operate. There are many ways in which data is moved into, out of, and within your Mac. To use a Mac, you do not need to understand the various technologies involved in this transfer of data among the various components of the system, such as the processor. However, if you add enhancements to your machinewhether they are external peripherals or internal system upgradesyou do need to understand these interface technologies.

NOTE

The term interface refers to the location at which two devices are physically connected. The term also refers to the technology that particular interface uses. For example, when someone refers to devices that use a USB interface, this implies that a specific physical connector is used (a USB connector) over which data following the USB specification is communicated.

On your Mac, there are two general types of input and output interfaces: those with external interfaces (ports) and those whose interfaces are internal to the machine.

In this chapter, you will gain a fundamental understanding of the various input and output technologies your Mac uses to move data. This understanding will help you when the time comes to add devices or make other improvements to your system. However, you won't get a detailed explanation of the technical intricacies of all of these interfaces. Unless that kind of information floats your boat, you really don't need to know the ins and outs of these technologies. Mostly, you just need to be able to match the technologies that your particular Mac supports with peripheral devices or upgrades you want to add to it. Equipping you with the information you need to be able to do this is the goal of this chapter.

CAUTION

Obviously, the types of interfaces available depend on the model of Mac you are using and whether you have added components to it. This chapter focuses on modern Mac models, such as the Power Mac G5, Power Mac G4, PowerBook G4, and so on. Newer machines generally support newer and better technologies. For example, the Power Mac G5 offers faster interface technologies than the Power Mac G4 does. Similarly, newer models of machines of the same class also support faster technologies. For example, later models of the Power Mac G4 added support for FireWire 800, whereas earlier models do not support this. In this chapter, you will find information on the more common interfaces used on modern Macintosh computers, but this chapter is not intended to explain all the interfaces that can be used. To be familiar with the technologies your specific Mac supports, you should study the specifications for your specific model of Mac.