Question

Before the universal serial bus (USB) became so common what type of interface was used to connect the keyboard and mouse to the computer?

Answer 1

Before USB, the PS/2 and serial ports were commonly used for connecting keyboards and mice to computers, with Apple using the proprietary ADB.

Step-by-step explanation:

Before the universal serial bus (USB) became ubiquitous, different types of interfaces were used to connect peripherals like keyboards and mice to computers. The most common interfaces prior to USB were the PS/2 ports for keyboards and mice and the serial ports for mice. The PS/2 interface, which was introduced by IBM with its Personal System/2 computers in 1987, became the standard for connecting keyboards and mice to PCs. Serial ports, also known as RS-232 ports, were commonly used before PS/2 became standard, particularly for mice. Additionally, Apple computers often employed their own proprietary ports known as Apple Desktop Bus (ADB). These interfaces laid the groundwork for future innovations in computer connectivity, which eventually led to the development of the USB standard, offering a more universal, convenient, and faster way to connect a wide range of devices to computers.