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This article provides a picture and short description of common cables used by office computers to help you set up your office workspace when receiving new equipment or returning to the office after an extended leave. Choose a tab below to see the different connector/cable types.

Video Ports

USB-C / ThunderBolt

HD and 4k video, audio, data transfer, power delivery.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, and Phones.

This cable is the most versatile when compared to the others on this page. It can function as a display/audio cable while also functioning as a USB cable. This has led to its use in docking stations. Learn more about docking/hubs in theĀ Connecting Dell Monitors to Computers guide.

usb-c thunderbolt

DisplayPort

HD and 4k video, audio.

Commonly found on Monitors, Docks, and Desktops.

Note: there is often a tab that must be depressed when unplugging the cable.

displayport

HDMI

HD and 4k video, audio.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, Desktops, TVs, and other home devices.

hdmi

DVI

HD video, no audio.

Commonly found on older Desktops and Monitors.

Note: there are two retaining screws that must be unscrewed when unplugging the cable.

dvi

VGA

Video, no audio.

Commonly found on older Laptops, Desktops and Monitors.

Note: there are two retaining screws that must be unscrewed when unplugging the cable.

vga

Power Cables

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Accessories

USB

Universal Data transfer, power delivery.

These USB cables are found on numerous peripheral devices. Although there are many different connectors, they all serve the same purpose: data transfer and/or power delivery.

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USB Type A

Most common connector type of the above row. Used for data transfer.

Commonly found on Laptops, Docks, and Monitors. Typically used to connect peripherals such as keyboards, mice, webcams, and external storage devices.

Note: this cable can only be plugged into a USB port in 1 orientation; it is not reversible like USB C connectors.

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Ethernet

Internet/Network.

Connecting your device to a local network and the greater internet in a single cable. This cable is used in place of WiFi and should be used in place of WiFi when possible.

Note: there is a tab that must be depressed when unplugging the cable.

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1/8" or 3.5mm

Audio.

This is a simple audio connector that uses a "concentric barrel" design. This form-factor may be familiar to you due to its dominating presence in headphone design.

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