Aviva Directory » Computers & Internet » Systems & Hardware » Cables & Connectors

The focus of this category is on computer cables and connectors, and may include informational sites as well as manufacturer sites, although retail sites should be listed in the appropriate Shopping & eCommerce category.

Many of the resources listed in this category are likely to be original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), as most computers and peripheral devices are packaged with the required cables and connectors, although they may not have been manufactured by the same company that manufactures the computer or peripheral device.

However, individuals who are putting together their own computer or setting up their computer systems may also have to purchase these products separately.

Please keep in mind that this category is for cables and connectors that are related to computers or computer ports, and not to electrical cables in general.

Appropriate cables and connectors may include those that are used by the computer system itself, or to any peripheral devices that connect to the computer, such as analog video connectors, digital display connectors, Ethernet cables, USB cables, HDMI cables, adaptors, and related products, such as cables connecting the computer to any peripheral device, such as a printer, monitor, or external disk drive. Those used within a computer to connect expansion cards and the like would also be appropriate here.

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and is a universal connection used to connect a wide range of peripherals using the same connection type. There are different types of USBs, such as USB 1.0, USB 2.0, and USB 3.0, the latter of which is color-coded in blue, while USB 2.0 ports are black. There are also Micro and Mini USB ports, which are smaller. USB-C is a newer standard that yields a data rate between 10-20 Gbps, which is much faster than the 4 Gbps expected from USB 3.0. The USB-C port is shaped differently than the others, and the plug is a double-sided connector, which can be plugged into a USB-C port either way up. Adapters are available to connect one type of USB port to another type of USB connector, as well as to non-USB port devices.

Also known as RJ45, Ethernet cables are used to connect a desktop or laptop computer to a network or to an Internet modem or router.

Also known as IEEE-1394 or iLink, a Firewire is a standard connection type for several kinds of electronic devices, including video cameras, digital camcorders, and some printers, scanners, external hard drives, and other peripherals.

Thunderbolt cables are used to connect to Thunderbolt ports, which are used for peripherals that require fast data transfers, including Mac computers.

An External Serial Advanced Technology Attachment (eSata) is an external interface for SATA technologies, serving much the same purpose as Firewire and USB.

Monitors, computer screens, and projectors connect to computers using a wide variety of connectors, and several tablets and smaller computers have micro versions of these ports, including micro USB and micro HDMI.

A Digital Video Interface (DVI) is a video display interface used to connect a computer to a display device, such as an HD-ready television, computer monitor, or projector. There are several different DVI connectors.

High Definition Media Interface (HDMI) is a combined audio-video interface for carrying video and audio data from an HD device, such as a game console or computer, to a high-end computer monitor, video projector, of HD digital TV. They come in standard and micro versions, as well.

A Video Graphics Array (VGA) is a 15-pin connector found in many, mostly older, computers and laptops, and is used to connect the computer to a projector, monitor, or LCD TV.

Component video carries a video signal, but not audio, that has been split into three component channels (red, green, blue), and is used to connect DVD players to televisions. Composite video carries an analog standard-definition video signal that combines red, green, and blue channels, without audio, and may be required for older game consoles or analog video cameras.

Also known as audio jacks, headphone jacks, or jack plugs, eighth-inch phono jacks are used to connect speakers or headphones to a computer, laptop, tablet, or MP3 player, while quarter-inch phono jacks are used with professional audio equipment.

XLR connectors may be found in professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment, and some home audio systems, televisions, and DVD players use RCA audio cables to connect to audio receivers, amplifiers, and speakers.

These are just a few of which may be found, depending on the type of computer system and the peripherals that might be connected to the computer, as well as the age of the device.



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