Differentiate between COM ports and LPT ports

COM ports and LPT ports are both types of communication ports found on computers, but they serve different purposes and have different characteristics.

COM ports, also known as serial ports, are used for serial communication between the computer and external devices such as modems, printers, and mice. They transmit data one bit at a time in a sequential manner. COM ports typically have 9 or 25 pins, and are often used for connecting devices that require low data transfer rates, such as older serial mice or modems.

LPT ports, also known as parallel ports, are used for parallel communication between the computer and external devices such as printers and scanners. They transmit data in parallel, meaning multiple bits of data are sent simultaneously. LPT ports typically have 25 pins, and are often used for connecting devices that require high data transfer rates, such as printers.

In summary, COM ports are used for serial communication with devices that require low data transfer rates, while LPT ports are used for parallel communication with devices that require high data transfer rates.