•Transmit
data in single bits
•Identified
by counting the pins
•Almost
always male
•Intended
for input and output devices
•Configurable
for COM1, COM2, COM3, or COM4
•Port
assignments are made in CMOS setup
•Conforms
to standard interface called RS-232c
•Data
Terminal Equipment (DTE) and Data Communications
Equipment (DCE) designations