Summary

Every desktop or tower computer case includes a set of standard controls, indicators, and connectors. On the front of the case, these usually include the on/off pushbutton and a reset pushbutton, a power LED indicator and a disk activity indicator, and possibly one or more audio, USB, and IEEE 1394 connectors. The front panel also provides space for access to several external drive bays.

On the back of the computer, the computer has an assortment of I/O connectors including parallel and serial data ports, USB and IEEE 1394 ports, and specialized connectors for audio, video, and specific input devices. On some newer computers, many of these ports have been replaced with additional USB ports.