PC Sockets and Cables

Without any ports or sockets a computer wouldn’t be much use ­ you couldn’t easily connect a monitor, keyboard or mouse. Today, though, just about every desktop and laptop is covered in sockets, with many different types doing much the same thing. And, annoyingly, they’re usually not labelled at all.

Here, we have produced a complete pictorial guide to every socket you are likely to find on a modern, or even not so modern, computer.

So the next time you find yourself wondering exactly what on earth that strange square socket on the left of a laptop is there for, or which one of the three alternatives is the best way to connect an external disk, you’ll find the answer here.

1
In this picture, the left-hand socket is for connecting to a wired network. There are three speeds of network: 10Mbits/sec, 100Mbits/sec and 1,000Mbits/sec, known as Gigabit Ethernet, but all use an identical-looking socket. Most modern computers have a 100Mbits/sec socket. Many sockets include two small flashing lights to show when the connection is active. The socket on the right is Firewire 800, a newer, faster version of Firewire. Unlike USB2 and USB1 the two use different connectors. Firewire 800 is an extremely fast way to transfer information between a PC and external device such as a hard disk, but it’s relatively rare on Windows PCs.


2
On the left is the Mini DVI connection. This carries the same information as DVI (see step 9) and can be converted to a DVI socket using an adapter. It is rare and found only on Apple Mac computers such as this Mac Mini. The Mini DisplayPort, on the right in this picture, is a small video connector that can be found on some desktop and laptops, primarily those made by Apple, and a few projectors. Adapters are available to convert Mini DisplayPort outputs to a DVI-D connector.


3
USB (Universal Serial Bus) sockets such as this pair of USB 2 Type A can be used to connect just about any peripheral device, from printers to cameras, to scanners and hard disks. Most use the USB2 standard, but older PCs may have the slower but identical-looking USB1 ports. USB can work with many types of socket and plug: this Type A socket is the most common on PCs, but the squarer Type B socket is often found on printers and smaller Mini-B sockets are common on cameras (see step 13). All are interchangeable, so a cable can have a Type A plug on one end and a Type B plug on the other, for example.


4
The PS/2 connector is used to attach a mouse or keyboard. Many come in pairs, with a green connector for a mouse and a purple one for the keyboard, but this port can accept either. Although most mice and keyboards now connect via USB instead, many desktop computers continue to include these sockets for older peripherals. They can be handy: some PCs have Bios setup tools that can only be controlled via PS/2, and as most USB mice and keyboards include PS/2 adapters they can be used to free up a USB port for other devices. The abbreviation means ‘personal system 2’.


5
On the left is a Co-axial S/PDIF. Like the optical S/PDIF socket (see below) this connector is used to transmit digital audio to an external decoder. Unlike the optical version, however, it uses a standard RCA phono cable. On the right is an Optical S/PDIF socket. One of the silliest acronyms in computing, S/PDIF stands for Sony/Philips Digital Interconnect Format and is a way to transmit sound digitally. It’s also a method for transmitting information rather than a connector, so there are two common types of S/PDIF socket: optical and coaxial. This optical type, sometimes labelled TOSLINK, must be connected using a special fibre-optic cable. S/PDIF is used to link a computer to an external surround sound decoder, and as such is only of use to serious audio or home-cinema fans.


6
On the left is the eSata socket. The Serial ATA (Sata) system is used to connect the hard disks inside most modern computers, and eSata is a version of that system designed for external disks. Because most external hard disks contain a Sata hard disk inside, eSata allows for a direct link between the computer motherboard and the disk without any need for a system such as USB or Firewire. ESata allows for very fast file transfers, but it is still relatively uncommon and set to be superseded by USB3. On the right is a Firewire 400 port. Like USB, Firewire can be used to link many types of device, but it is most common on external hard disks and camcorders. This six-circuit connector is most common on desktop PCs, while some laptops have a smaller four-circuit Firewire socket. Firewire is also known as I.Link (on Sony products) and by its technical name IEEE 1394, so you may see either labelon the socket.


7
Most PCs use 3.5mm audio sockets that accept a jack plug of the type commonly found on portable headphones. These are usually colour coded: green for stereo audio output and pink for mono microphone input. Some PCs include extra surround-sound channels coded black (stereo rear speakers) grey (stereo side speakers) and gold (centre speaker and subwoofer). Some include a blue socket, which is a line-level stereo audio input.


8
The HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) socket provides a digital video picture and sound, so there is no need to use an extra audio cable alongside an HDMI one. HDMI inputs are common on high-definition televisions, and outputs are becoming more common on computers. HDMI has a lot in common with DVI (see step 9), so the two can be linked using an adapter to transmit video but not sound.


9
The VGA port is correctly known as a D-Sub DE15 socket, but everyone knows it as VGA (Video Graphics Array). It’s used to connect most older computer monitors, and is found on many older desktop and laptop computers as well as some flat-panel TVs. It supports only an analogue video signal, so when possible a DVI or HDMI socket should be used instead.


10
The white DVI or Digital Video Interface white socket for displays has replaced the older D-Sub VGA socket on most desktop and laptop computers, and can also be found on some flat-panel televisions. Most DVI outputs (marked DVI or DVI-I) can transfer both digital and analogue video, so it’s possible to connect a VGA monitor to one using a small adapter, but those marked DVI-D cannot be used this way. An alternative Mini-DVI socket is found on some Apple computers; this can be converted to DVI using an adapter (see step 2).


11
The yellow Composite Video plug at the bottom of this picture is found on some PCs. It carries a low-quality video signal. It can be converted to a Scart plug using an inexpensive adapter. Sound must be carried separately; normally using a stereo phono cable. The Component Video socket (at the top of the picture) is a high-quality video output that is sometimes available on powerful graphics cards using an adapter. It uses three RCA phono plugs, coloured green, red and blue, and is sometimes labelled YPbPr. It is capable of transferring high-definition video, but separate audio cables are required.


12
USB Type A is the most common type of USB connector. It has a flat rectangular plug. Almost every common peripheral will use one of these to connect to your PC.


13
USB Type B connectors are generally used to connect printers and scanners. This end will go into the printer, with a USB Type A plug (see step 11) on the other end for the PC.


14
Although there are many types of small USB connector, the USB Mini B is most common. It's often used to connect cameras and music players, with a Type A plug (see page 11) on the other end for your PC.


15
The Ethernet cable is used to make a wired network connection. You might connect one between your PC and router, for example.


16
A Firewire 400 cable of this kind is normally used to connect a camcorder to your PC, although some modern camcorders use USB instead.


17
The circular PS2 connector might be found on an older mouse or keyboard. Look for a green (mouse) or purple (keyboard) socket on your PC.


18
The VGA plug connects an analogue monitor to your computer. If no suitable socket is available you may need a DVI to VGA adapter.


19
The DVI plug, normally coloured white, connects a monitor to your computer. Look for a white socket on your graphics card or laptop.

Do You Need High Speed HDMI...WHEN...

Only home theaters with Internet connections will require an HDMI cable with Ethernet. All other existing cables support the remaining features of HDMI 1.4.

“With HDMI 1.4, only the Ethernet Channel requires a new upgraded cable,” reiterates Jeff Park, technology evangelist for HDMI Licensing LLC. “That is only exception that requires a new cable.”

Below is a chart of all the possible features of HDMI and what cables are required for each feature. When you’re watching TV (or a projector) in any format below 1080p, there are only two instances when you’ll need a High Speed Cable: Deep Color and 120Hz from the source.

In both of these cases, if you’re viewing 720p or 1080i content, a High Speed Cable is necessary because those features require almost double the bandwidth of standard definition.

Finally, 120Hz from the source is very different from the 120Hz or 240Hz achieved through upscaling built into the TV. All TVs manufactured today upscale the signal inside the display. If the signal is being upscaled, having a High Speed Cable will not make a difference.

In an attempt to minimize confusion surrounding HDMI 1.4, HDMI Licensing LLC has created a four-category labeling system. There previously were only two types of HDMI cables:

Standard HDMI Cable
Supports up to 720p/1080i up to bandwidth of 2.25Gbps.

High Speed HDMI Cable
Supports 1080p or higher, including 3D or 4k/2k, up to bandwidth of 10.2Gbps.

But with the introduction of HDMI 1.4, there are two new cables
Standard HDMI Cable with Ethernet: Supports up to 720p/1080i supporting up to a total uncompressed bandwidth of 2.25Gbps. Adds support for HDMI Ethernet Channel (up to 100Mbps).

High Speed HDMI Cable with Ethernet
Supports 1080p or higher up to an uncompressed bandwidth of 10.2Gbps. Adds support for HDMI Ethernet Channel (up to 100Mbps).

Cable Cutters is Cheap Alternatives to TV, DSL and Cell Service

I don't like service providers. Cable TV, landline phone and fax, mobile phone, ISP, and even satellite radio companies have so little real competition that they know they don't have to impress me very much to get my business. I either pay the full fees and become connected to them by their cord (physical or wireless), or I don't get any service. Until lately.

Now those companies face new pressure from Web based technologies and services that can offer similar features for far less money, or even for free. Many of these services ride in on the cord owned by the big service provider, relegating said service provider to the job of operating "dumb pipes."

Which TV executive knew just a few years ago that paid and free online services could threaten cable companies? Ditto for the VoIP challenge to landline phones, online fax services replacing another cord, Internet radio being a better value than a satellite subscription, and more.

Here I'll explain the alternatives that can help you walk away from the biggest corded companies that we love to hate. You can pick and choose which are still worth keeping and which to toss. Are you being pressured into buying a service provider's "triple play"? Try three strikes and you're out.

Pay for TV and Movies Instead of Cable Service

The cable and satellite TV model is on life support. Who wants to pay $100 or more a month for an endless well of unwatched shows? Even if you have an appetite for premium channel shows, you can save money by buying some à la carte and watching others free online.

Paid, per show TV sources are all around you. Apple iTunes, Amazon VOD, Zune Marketplace, Blockbuster On Demand, and Jaman store thousands of shows and movies.

All offer various purchase and rental options, often $3 to $4 to rent a movie for a day. Expect to drop about $30 to $40 per season of scripted, premium channel TV (HBO, Showtime, and such), or, often, about $10 less for network shows.

That sounds pricy at first, and it often costs more than buying a physical disc. But total up four or five of those seasons and a handful of movies, and you could pay half as much as cable over the same time period.

If you want to watch video on a portable device, stick with iTunes for iPod and iPhone compatibility; or Zune Marketplace for Zune support. Unfortunately, the other stores don't offer portable media player support. If you have an AppleTV or an Xbox 360, you can at least watch your shows in the living room.

Netflix is a good base service for any cable TV free home. The cheapest subscription for the DVD by mail service is $8.99 each month, but much of the value comes in the thousands of shows and movies you can stream from Netflix to your PC. Plus, Netflix can stream to a TiVo, Xbox 360, PS3, dedicated Roku device, and other hardware, so you can watch in the living room without a media center PC.

Similar streaming services like Amazon, Blockbuster, Jaman, and others can play on much of the same hardware. Check your TV connected hardware against these services' support pages.

I've also got my eye on the upcoming Boxee Box and Sezmi service; both will offer hardware that plays Internet streamed video on a TV. Sezmi, which will be rolling out nationwide this year, even promises local shows and live sports, one of the biggest deficits in online libraries.

Get Free TV And Movies

Hulu is still my king of free TV sites, although it's uncertain if it will or won't change to a paid model. And I've been occasionally frustrated when show episodes or seasons disappear just before I try to watch. But the majority of recent network shows are available. Plus, you'll find movie and TV favorites alongside B level misses.

As I write this, you can watch "Spartacus" and "All the King's Men" alongside the Norm MacDonald vehicle, "Dirty Work."

Check Hulu first, but also scan other sites for free TV and movies. Crackle, Comcast Fancast, and even YouTube have movies and TV content. If you you're looking for a specific show that you still can't find online, visit its Web site or its network site directly.

Live sports can still be elusive. Check the network that's broadcasting the content for a stream; I saw a Monday Night Football game this way last fall. MLB.com hosts live baseball, but you'll have to pay for service. Justin.tv could be your best ace for any sport. While unsanctioned, many users play live streams of their local stations; just click the sports button.

And remember the cheapest, highest quality TV source of all: an antenna. Over the air HD content looks great, often better than video compressed for a cable TV feed. You'll just need a TV with an HD tuner typical for most sets built in the last several years or a PC TV tuner.

Cut Landline Phone And Fax Service

If you have a reliable ISP, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone company can replace a traditional landline. You can place calls through a PC, but you'll have a better experience on a dedicated VoIP handset. The device connects to your network over Wi Fi or wired ethernet to route calls.

Skype deserves its VoIP ubiquity. You'll make free calls to other members or pay about 2 cents per minute to dial out to a real phone. Traditional phones can also call in to you. But several alternatives challenge the Skype giant.

I like the features and versatility of RingCentral. Depending on the package you buy, you'll get a local phone number for incoming calls, an incoming toll free number, and an incoming fax line. Call routing functions make RingCentral excel. Like Google Voice or my1voice, RingCentral can send incoming numbers to any phone. You can have it ring your VoIP handset, a mobile line, a hotel room, a temporary office, or anywhere you happen to be. Or you can have it go straight to voice mail during off hours, if you don't want to be reached.

Most RingCentral plans bundle fax service, or you can just pick that for about $8/month. You'll send and receive faxes through e mail, and cut the cost of a dedicated, traditional fax line. Many other companies sell fax service, too. Check out Mbox, eFax, and MyFax for several options, all priced in a similar range.

Free Yourself From Wireless Phone Service

If you like your current handset or smartphone, you might not be able to change wireless providers. Your device is almost certainly locked to your carrier, and worse, there's a chance that differing network technologies mean you can't move your phone to a different network even if it's unlocked.

AT&T and T Mobile rely on GSM networks; Sprint uses CDMA; and most Verizon handsets use CDMA, but Verizon also offers some dual mode devices that support both network types. An unlocked iPhone is still single mode, so it will never work on a Sprint network, for example. Ask a carrier you're considering how they can enable your old phone.

For GSM devices, including Apple's iPhone, your best option could be unlocking the handset, then swapping in a GSM SIM (subscriber identity module) card from the new provider. Even a prepaid card can work, which drains your account only when you use service.

If you want to completely cut wireless phone service, you could try hopping between Wi Fi hotspots while using a VoIP app. Truphone and Fring work on Android devices, BlackBerrys, iPhones, and even iPod touch media players. (You'll need a headset microphone for any of the players.) It's not the same as real wireless phone service, but it might be enough for some users in some situations.

You can beat text messaging fees by sending texts through an instant messenger app or in e mail. And instead of paying for your carrier's voice mail transcription service, you can substitute SpinVox, PhoneTag, YouMail, or Google Voice.

Revise Your Internet Service

Look for a network without a lock icon to try to gain access.

Did you shop around for your ISP? You might not be getting the best price or service. Check out Broadband Reports for customer reviews. You could find a locally grown alternative to the faceless corporation that you currently use.

You might be able to completely break free from home, wired Internet service. First, walk around your house running inSSIDer. Try to reach a friendly neighbor or café. Or if a neighbor's signal is locked, ask around, and offer to pay part of the fee to join the network and share service.

Wi Fi service subscriptions from T Mobile, Boingo, and others can pay off if you frequent airports and other locations with their coverage. But you're almost as likely to find an open, free network. (To be fair, however, if you need an always on connection wherever you are, nothing beats an EvDO modem stick from Sprint or Verizon.)

Several Web sites map Wi Fi networks, and are good places to check out before you hit the road. Try Jwire, WeFi, and Hotspotr.

If you require an always on connection, you might be better off buying short or long term service from Sprint or Verizon. You can buy a USB plug that connects a single laptop, or a home desktop for that matter. Many mobile phones can also be tethered to a laptop as part of your service plan, sharing the wireless Internet feed. Or opt for a portable router such as the MiFi, and it'll turn its mobile connection into a Wi Fi, Internet bubble. The router will work in your car and could be cheaper than a hotel's Internet service.

Break Out of Satellite Radio's Orbit

Monthly satellite radio service might not be worth what you pay. If your favorite talk show is in an exclusive contract, you could be stuck, but music listeners have alternatives. Try Pandora, Last.fm, and Slacker from a PC or even a smartphone.

Last.fm is free, and the others offer both paid and free versions. All build music programming based on your preferences. If you indicate that you don't like a certain song or musician, they'll adjust your playlist to better match your tastes.

The mobile versions of these services are an especially exciting proposition. They offer the possibility of replacing traditional car radio by streaming music wirelessly to your smartphone in the car. This, of course, is highly dependent on the 3G wireless coverage you're getting as you drive, but that coverage is getting broader and faster all the time. Additionally, Slacker can cache stations to your device so you can play music without any Internet connection. This helps when you're driving across no coverage zones.

Get a Discount, or Cut Ties

Sometimes you just can't cut the cord. In spite of poor service and price gouging, you might need some of these services. For one last alternative, try calling up and asking for a discount. It's worked for me, especially with TV and Internet service.

Arm yourself with details on your current companies' introductory deals and competitors' rates, and ask for a break. If you don't get a good answer, call back, and ask someone else.

Even if you only cut one of these services, you could save a lot. Pay for what you want and only what you use to take back control of your subscriptions.