USB devices are a recent addition to connectivity. They provide simple expandability and usually allow devices to be plugged into them while the system is up and running. They are among the smallest connections and come in two sizes: the rectangular 6 Pin and square 4 Pin. The 4 Pin connector does not include pin for carrying power and will be found on devices with independent power supplies (like printers) and small battery powered devices such as Palm Pilots and hand held devices. When connecting a 4 Pin device to a 6 Pin port on your computer, you need a cable with a 4 Pin plug on one end and a 6 Pin Plug on the other.

 

Caution: USB vs. USB 2.0 - USB 2.0 is a newer version with a high bandwidth, that is becoming popular especially for large storage devices which require high volumes of data transfer. The connectors look identical. While USB devices can be plugged into USB 2.0 ports, USB 2.0 devices will not work in USB ports.

 

Not enough USB ports? While many computers are now coming with four or more USB ports because of the popularity of this connection type, many older computers had only two, and that often isn't enough. A simple solution is an inexpensive USB Hub which can expand your capacity to four or more ports for each USB port. While most USB devices will function properly through a HUB, some devices are more finicky.