USB-A
Rectangular computer plug
USB-A is the original rectangular USB connector, the flat port found on computers, chargers, and hubs since the 1990s.
The plug fits only one way—a design flaw that spawned countless jokes about needing three attempts to insert it correctly.
USB-A remains common for peripherals and charging cables, though USB-C is gradually replacing it: I need a USB-A to USB-C adapter.
Something that blocks openings
- portDocking place for ships
- socketHollow receiving cavity
- maleSperm-producing sex
- rectangularFour right angles
flat · insert · jack · terminal · prong · contact · pin · interface
Array of input keys
- mouseSmall gnawing mammal
- printerMachine producing paper copies
- webcamComputer-mounted video capture device
- hubCentral connection point
dongle · charger · receiver · adapter · cable · controller · headset · microphone
What's passed down
- standardLevel of quality accepted
- universalAffecting all equally
- backward-compatibleFunctions with prior versions
- ubiquitousPresent in all places
common · widespread · mainstream · original · classic · traditional · established · conventional
Facts for analysis
- syncCoordinate timing or data
- fileStored collection of data
- backupStored duplicate for recovery
- connectionA joining or relation
bandwidth · speed · megabits · throughput · download · upload · copy · read
Restoring electrical power
Detailed technical requirement
- upgradeRaise to higher standard
- obsoleteNo longer in use
- phaseoutGradual discontinuation process
- transitionChange from one state
plug
Something that blocks openings
rectangular · flat · insert · jack · terminal · prong · contact · pin · interface · receptacle
keyboard
Array of input keys
- mouseSmall gnawing mammal
- printerMachine producing paper copies
- webcamComputer-mounted video capture device
hub · dongle · charger · receiver · adapter · cable · controller · headset · microphone · scanner
legacy
What's passed down
- standardLevel of quality accepted
- universalAffecting all equally
- backward-compatibleFunctions with prior versions
ubiquitous · common · widespread · mainstream · original · classic · traditional · established · conventional · default
data
Facts for analysis
connection · bandwidth · speed · megabits · throughput · download · upload · copy · read · write
charging
Restoring electrical power
specification
Detailed technical requirement
- computer portsHDMI port, DisplayPort, VGA port, power port, audio jack
- power connectorsDC jack, power port, three-prong, two-prong, UK plug
- USBtype-A, type B, type C, flash drive, thumb drive
- Storage InterfacesSATA, IDE, SCSI, NVMe, ATA
- PC hardwareCPU, GPU, RAM, ROM, hard drive
- plugs and socketsUK plug, power outlet, wall socket, ungrounded, two-prong
USB-AUSB-C
Reversible device connector
USB Type-C · USB-B · Lightning · Thunderbolt
USB-AThunderbolt
Hardware data transfer protocol
PS/2 · serial port · parallel port · HDMI · DisplayPort
- USB drivePortable digital storage device
- USB cableStandard digital connector cord
- USB portComputer connection point
- USB stickPortable digital storage
- USB chargerDevice power supply
- USB flash drivePortable digital storage device