The cable that does not fit
You bring your laptop to a classroom to show your work on the projector. The cable is in your hand. It does not fit the socket.
Every socket and plug has a shape for a reason. Learn the shapes and you pick the right cable first time.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can name a port or connector from its use and pick the right cable for a job.
Key words
| Word | What it means |
|---|---|
| Network | devices joined so they can share data |
| Port | a socket on a device where a cable plugs in |
| Connector | the plug on the end of a cable |
| Cable | wires inside a cover that carry data or power |
| Analogue | a signal that changes smoothly, like a wave |
| Digital | a signal made of ones and zeros |
| Adapter | a small cable or plug that joins two different connectors |
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Starter
Have a go
Starter
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
USB joins most things
USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It carries data and often power too.
You use it for keyboards, mice, phones, memory sticks and printers. The older flat plug is called Type-A. The small oval plug is called Type-C. It goes in either way up.
Ports for screens
HDMI carries picture and sound in one digital cable. TVs, projectors and consoles use it.
VGA is an older analogue video port. It has 15 holes in three rows, and is often blue. It carries no sound.
DisplayPort is a digital video port, common on monitors and graphics cards.
Ports and what they carry
| Port | Carries | You find it on |
|---|---|---|
| USB Type-A | Data and power | Computers, chargers, memory sticks |
| USB Type-C | Data, power, sometimes video | Phones, newer laptops |
| HDMI | Digital picture and sound | TVs, projectors, consoles |
| VGA | Analogue picture only | Older monitors and projectors |
| Thunderbolt | Very fast data, video and power | Some laptops, in a Type-C shape |
| eSATA | Data for an external hard drive | Some older computers |
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A common mistake
Warning
Many people think that if a plug fits, it does the same job. A Type-C socket might carry only charging, or data, or video. Look for the symbol beside the port, or read the manual, to see what it does.