A pin connection only transfers loads in two (orthogonal directions), typically X and Y

coordinates. They are used in real life to support highway bridge girders. See photo 1
below.

Pinned Connection (Photo 1)

A roller (sometimes called rocker in real life) only transmits loads in one direction,
typically Y axis. They too are used in real life to support girders for large bridges, see
photo 2 below.

Roller Connection (Photo 2)

Real life connections are often approximated on paper. Nailing two pieces of wood
together at 90, making a corner, could transmit some moment. If the loads are small
this connections could be considered fixed. However for purposes of framing a house 2x4
studs nailed to the top plate of a wall are considered pins, because the forces they will
experience will exceed the moment capacity the connection can handle.
Likewise connections on a steel bridge may appear to be fixed connections as we observe
them (see image 3). However they are designed to experience large loads that will exceed
their moment capacity. Thus they are modeled as pin connection on paper.

The proper approach in structural engineering is to consider the orders of magnitude of

the loads and the capacity of the connection to determine whether the connection should
be modeled as fixed, pinned or as a roller.

SIMPLE SUPPORTS
Simple supports are idealized by some to be frictionless surface
supports. This is correct in as much as the resulting reaction is
always a single force that is perpendicular to, and away from, the
surface. However, are also similar to roller supports in this. They
are dissimilar in that a simple support cannot resist lateral loads
of any magnitude. The built reality often depends upon gravity
and friction to develop a minimal amount of frictional resistance
to moderate lateral loading. For example, if a plank is laid across
gap to provide a bridge, it is assumed that the plank will remain in
its place. It will do so until a foot kicks it or moves it. At that
moment the plank will move because the simple connection
cannot develop any resistance to the lateral loal. A simple support
can be found as a type of support for long bridges or roof span.
Simple supports are often found in zones of frequent seismic
activity.