Computer connectors and other cables can present quite a conundrum when you're faced with trying to set up your computer or your home theater system. Different cables have different connectors. Some have pins and some don't and those with pins have a different number for each kind. Without the right cables you'll be stuck. If you keep mistaking which cables you need, then you can end up frustrated and confused, which can take all the fun out of getting your new system set up.
Instructions
1. Look at the cable connector to identify its type. Typical connectors include USBs, headphone jacks, digital optical and audio connectors, VGA video connectors, DVI monitor connectors, S video, RCA, HDMI, display port, eSATA, phone jacks and Ethernet connectors.
2. Check for shape. Rectangular connectors are typically USB, VGA, DVI monitor, HDMI, display port, Firewire or eSATA connectors. Round connectors are usually headphone jack, digital optical and audio, S-video or RCA connectors. Square connectors are usually phone jacks or Ethernet cable connectors.
3. Look for pins. If the connector is rectangular and has pins, it will be a DVI monitor port, VGA cable or Firewire connector. A VGA connector will have 15 pins and a DVI monitor port connector will have 29 pins. Firewire connectors have six pins. If the connector is round with pins, it will be an S-video cable.
4. Look for other identifying features. If your rectangular connector has no pins, but does have a small rectangular opening that is one-half white, that's a USB connector. HDMI connectors have a metal protrusion that is a little wider on top than on bottom. A display port connector has a very narrow rectangular opening. The eSATA connector has a protrusion that is made of both metal and plastic. Headphone jacks, digital optical and video connectors and RCA connectors all look similar -- they are round with a single round protrusion. The headphone jack is smallest. RCA connectors are color-coded. Digital optical and audio connectors have a slightly square shape to their protrusions. Phone jacks and Ethernet cables look similar, but the Ethernet jack is wider and thicker.