USB Confusion: What plugs into what?

IamTheKnowledgeSeeker Said:

“USB Confusion: What plugs into what?

I've very confused over 'USB'. It appears to be a connector type, a data transmission type, a cable type and possibly other types too![...]”

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As for usage, it should work right-out-of-the-box.

As the Site Reads:

• ”Includes both USB-C and USB-A cables for universal compatibility with USB-C and USB 3.0 computers.” and “Perfect for Mac and Windows“

It comes with all cables. So, you will be fine with the purchase.

So USB stands for Universal Serial Bus, and through the ages it has experienced several upgrades in speeds and some in size.

It started of from usb 1.0 to 2.0 to 3.0 to 3.1 etc and some of them have different types

Such as type A or type C, male and female, now this may seem confusing so I have attached a little image to try and show you the different generations and the speeds that come with them, for example you can use a usb 3.0 usb type A with a port that was designed for usb 2.0 but you will only have the speed that would have been available for usb 2.0, if that makes sense? So the port will not go the same speed if the usb you are trying to use is designed to be higher speeds than what the Computer has, and vice versa, USB type C is more commonly seen on android devices and has more versatility compared to type A as it can also be used as a power cable and can be used to charger other devices,

So when it says USB-C ready it means that it can be connected to a port that takes usb c connection and also thunderbolt because it is the same physical but it won't be the same speed

Hope this helps

Many thanks

Erik

IamTheKnowledgeSeeker wrote:

I've very confused over 'USB'. It appears to be a connector type, a data transmission type, a cable type and possibly other types too!

I get confused between USB1, USB2, USB3, USB-C, etc.

I am specifically trying to work out whether an external drive at https://www.amazon.co.uk/G-Technology-G-DRIVE-Mobile-USB-C-Silver/dp/B07DK2LPDD will plug into old Macs (with old-style USB ports) and new Macs (with new style USB ports) alike or whether adapters are required. And, if so, which adapter is needed.

It claims 'USB-C ready; USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt 3 compatible'.

Can anyone guide me, please?

Your linked item—to add —looks to be a mechanical (roational ) HD.

The price of SSD has dropped dramatically in to the consumer range.

See External Hard Drives and Storage Solutions for the Mac - OWC

Identify the ports on your Mac - Apple Support
 https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201736

https://www.premiumusb.com/blog/whats-the-difference-between-usb-micro-usb-and-lightning

https://www.houkconsulting.com/2018/11/understanding-usb-cables-ports/

Today new Macs's only have the USBC port, in order to connect to older USB devices— you need a dongle:

https://www.apple.com/shop/product/MJ1M2AM/A/usb-c-to-usb-adapter

3-2-1 Backup Strategy: three copies of your data, two different methods, and one offsite.

Boot clone https://discussions.apple.com/docs/DOC-10081

How to use Time Machine to back up or restore your Mac: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201250

Use DiskUtility Restore feature https://support.apple.com/guide/disk-utility/restore-a-disk-dskutl14062/mac

note: >System Preferences>Security & Privacy >Privacy>Full Disk Access

unlock the padlock, press the + button and add Disk Utility