PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect)

PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect) is a standard way for a computer's motherboard to connect with internal hardware components like sound cards, graphics cards, and network cards. It acts as a mailbox or highway, allowing these devices to communicate with the main computer system efficiently. PCI slots are the physical connectors on the motherboard where you insert these expansion cards. It ensures compatibility and data transfer between the computer’s processor and additional hardware, enabling upgrades and improved performance. PCI has been widely used in computers but is gradually being replaced by newer standards like PCI Express.