Laptops For Dummies, 6th Edition
Book image
Explore Book Buy On Amazon

USB cables have two ends, and each end can be different. On one end of the cable is the A connector. The other end, most likely, has the B connector.

The A connector is rectangular. It's what plugs into the computer. This connector is often called the upstream end.

The B connector has a D shape to it. This type of hole and cable connector is fitted on USB devices. It's called the downstream end.

For example, to connect a USB printer, you plug the A end of the cable into your laptop and the B end into the printer. Ta-da!

Here are some things to remember when buying a USB cable:

  • When you get a USB cable, you want a USB A-to-B cable.

  • If you want a USB extension cable, you want a USB A-to-A cable, or one that’s labeled as an extension.

  • You can get other cable ends as well, although they’re specific to the devices they plug into. For example, some MP3 players use a special USB cable with an A connector on one end and a specific dongle on the other end that plugs only into the MP3 player.

About This Article

This article can be found in the category: