This book investigates the practical applications and programming required to interface external devices with a personal computer through its standard input/output ports. Authored by Pei An, this text delves into the capabilities of the centronic, RS232, and game ports, which are typically used for printers, mice, and joysticks, respectively. It presents a combined approach to hardware and software, offering circuits and programming examples for a variety of interfacing experiments. The book is particularly relevant for users of laptop and palmtop PCs that lack internal expansion card slots.

This book is likely to be regarded as a practical, hands-on guide for hobbyists and students interested in low-level PC hardware and interfacing. The combination of circuit diagrams and programming examples suggests a text that bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application. Its focus on commonly available ports makes it accessible for those looking to experiment with custom hardware projects.