Serial Port
From Applepedia
Serial Port is a pretty broad term, and in the context of Macs can mean a few things:
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LocalTalk
The original port, capable as operating in either LocalTalk mode (RS-422) or RS-232, was the standard serial port on all Old World Macs. It utilized an 8-pin DIN connector.
GeoPort
GeoPort added a high-speed DMA channel to the existing serial port for the addition of a modem or fax machine. This was accomplished by changing the pin layouts and adding a non-standard 9th pin for power. It is found on all Old World PowerPC Macs and some late m68k Macs.
RS-232
RS-232 made a comeback on the Xserve G4 as a serial console port in the form of an old-school DE-9 connector. It was not included on the Xserve G5s. The original 8-pin serial port was also capable of RS-232.
Universal Serial Bus
Popularized by Apple with the introduction of the iMac in 1998, USB really isn't referred to by anyone as a 'serial port' in the classic sense, even though it is a serial connection. Same goes for FireWire.
