Serial & Parallel Connector Types

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I just want to clarify: in a serial cable that say connects to a modem, the 25 pin male end of a cable connects to the modem and the 9 pin female end of the cable connects to the male 9 pin connector on the motherboard. Also, in a parallel printer cable one end is a 25 pin male connector and the other end could be a centronics connector. Am I correct in these assumptions? Also, male has the pins and female has the holes?

Ponciana,

Great questions! Let's start with the last question first!
"male has the pins and female has the holes?" You're correct on the gender, regardless of whether we're talking about the connectors on cable ends or the physical port on the devices. Male ports or connectors have pins sticking out; the female connectors or ports do not.

If you're trying to connect an external modem to your PC, you'll have choices:

1. It could be you'll choose a 9pin(M) to 25 (M) cable
2. It could be you'll choose a 9pin(F) to 25(F) cable
3. It could be you'll choose a 9pin(M) to 25(F) cable
4. It could be you'll choose a 9pin(F) to 25(M) cable

The only way you'll know is if you know the number of pinouts on the devices you're connecting and the gender. In your first question, you correct. But remember the key to exam is know what cable you could use. Commonly, cables are usually single gender and those with mixed genders are not as common.

If you're connecting a computer to printer but you notice the printer doesn't have a USB B connector. you may need what cable to make the connection possible?
In this instance you'll need the ?

1. It could be you'll choose a Centronics 36pin(M) to 25 (M) cable
2. It could be you'll choose a Centronics 36pin(M) to 25(F) cable
3. It could be you'll choose a Centronics 36pin(F) to 25(F) cable
4. It could be you'll choose a Centronics 36pin(F) to 25(M) cable

In your question, you'd be correct to choose 1.

Cordially,
Ronnie Wong
Host, ITProTV