Universal Serial Bus (“USB”) is an extremely versatile connection type. USB cables are capable of carrying data as well as a small voltage electric current for charging/powering devices. Until recently, with the advent of USB Type C, all USB ports were keyed, meaning they had to be plugged in “the right way up”. USB Type C can be flipped over either way. USB is a hot-swappable connection. With old connections like serial cables, you had to power the computer and the device off before you could plug the cable in or out.
Required knowledge:
USB Type A is the original, standard USB. It is usually white inside.
USB 3.0 is the same shape as USB Type-A but is usually blue inside
USB Micro for smartphones
USB 3 Micro B for external HDDs
USB Mini for digital cameras, video cameras, and external DVD-ROMs.
USB Type C is a newer version capable of far higher data transfer rates.
The connector is also symmetric and can be plugged in either way up.
Apple is in the process of transitioning from its proprietary Lightning connector to USB Type-C under European Legislation.
References:
- Mac Adviser (2023) USB Port Types and Speeds Compared: 2023. Available at: https://mac-adviser.com/usb-port-types-and-speeds-compared/ (Accessed: 1 November 2023).
- Wikimedia Foundation. (2023) USB. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USB (Accessed: 1 November 2023).