One of the great things about computers is how modular and expandable they are. The computer industry has worked hard to standardize the plugs for devices so your Dell computer will use the same accessories as your neighbor’s HP computer. Plugging them is easy, too. Generally a plug will only fit where it is supposed to fit and in the case of audio jacks where several devices use the same connector, the plugs will be color-coded. So what are all the plugs (ports) on your computer for?
The USB Type A Port
This is likely the most common port you will see. It can come in various colors, the versions are the relative newness and speed of the port. Older (small versions) are slower and if possible you should match colors. If you have a blue plug, you should try to use a blue, teal, or red plug. It will work if you put it in a black or white port but at a reduced speed.
The plug will only go in one way, so if you try to plug something into one and it doesn’t fit, try turning the plug around.
You will find USB ports all over the place on computers. They can be found on your monitor, on your keyboard, on the front of the computer case, on the top of the computer case, or at the back of the computer.
Other types of USB connectors
Although the U in USB stands for Universal, there are many types of connectors. The way data goes between the computer and device is the same, only the connectors differ.
USB Type-A, as shown above was the first standard for USB and is still the most common. Slowly the USB Type-C connector is replacing it.
USB Type-B 2.0 is most commonly found on printers – you may even see cables with this connector labeled in stores as “printer cables”
USB Type-B 3.0 is similar in shape to 2.0, but the connectors are not compatible. These are not common.
USB Type-C is found on many Android smartphones, and is commonly found on newer laptops as a charging port or as a normal port. As of 2015, Apple MacBooks use this port for charging, and new iPad Pro models do as well.
Micro USB 2.0 is mostly found on smart phones that have not been outfitted with USB type C ports. It is usually used for charging the phone but can be used for storage or other peripherals as well.
Micro USB 3.0 is mostly found on Samsung smart phones. It is effectively a Micro USB 2.0 port with a small rectangle added beside it. Most phones with this port will charge using only the 2.0 part, albeit usually more slowly.
Mini-B 5-pin is found on some smart phones and tablets, but was far less popular than Micro USB and generally gets confused with it because of their similar size and shape.
