Do You Know Your Computer Cables?

Are you familiar with your computer’s power, video, or network cables? Depending on the cable type, it connects keyboards, hard drives, printers, monitors, and other peripherals to your computers.

Key Points:

  • What Is A Computer Power Cable?
  • What Is A VGA Cable?
  • What Is A DisplayPort Cable?
  • What Is An HDMI Cable?
  • What Is A Network Cable?

Are you familiar with your computer’s power, video, or network cables? Depending on the cable type, it connects keyboards, hard drives, printers, monitors, and other peripherals to your computers. Often, our clients get curious and ask us what the line is for and what it does.

Each computer cable has a unique shape, design, function, and specific way it gets attached. Once shown, they discover how easy it is to identify each line. Also, they learn how to connect or disconnect each. Anthony provides a great visual in his latest video if you’re curious.

YouTube video

What Is A Computer Power Cable?

Computer power cables vary and primarily provide electrical power to one or more devices. In the United States, our standards for power cables are International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) and National Electrical Manufacturers (NEMA).

What Is A VGA Cable?

The VGA cable is short for Video Graphics Array or Video Graphics Adapter. That cable links your monitor and your computer’s CPU to transfer video signals. With recent changes to computers, laptops, and TVs, HDMI, DVI, and DisplayPort cables will replace the VGA cable.

What Is A DisplayPort Cable?

Your DisplayPort cable is a digital interface designed and created to deliver audio and video on a single cable. The DP cable connects a data source to your computer’s monitor. What you see and hear on your screen comes from video and sound moving through the cable.

What Is An HDMI Cable?

The High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) cable transmits audio and video signals with stunning images. Though primarily used for computers, other electronics use HDMI cables—examples: TVs, cable boxes, game consoles, satellite boxes, and media streamers.

What Is A Network Cable?

Your Network cable, commonly known as an Ethernet cable, connects one network device to one or more network devices. For instance, connecting multiple computers to share printers or your laptop needs internet access because there is no WiFi signal.

Found A Strange Looking Computer Cable?

When you find a strange or weird-looking computer cable, you know where to turn for help. Anthony D’Amico, our systems engineer, can quickly tell you what it is, its use, and what it’s called. He’ll also show you how to connect or disconnect the cable carefully.

HRCT IT specialists leave no stone unturned. We’re not kidding when we say we know every inch of your IT system. To get that expertise, contact us today or call Toll Free (800) 319-1878.