Common Hardware Connections

Common Uses

BestRx specific use for uncommon devices

Typically used to connect speakers or headphones for listening to multimedia on the computer

Typically used to connect rear speakers for a surround experience

Typically used to connect and use a microphone with applications

Typically used to connect an auxiliary device to the computer for recording

Typically used to connect a subwoofer to the computer

Typically used to connect an optical compatible device for input or output of higher resolution audio

Designed to replace video connectors on a PC, this port is able to carry both audio and video signals and is capable of much higher bandwidth than other video connectors.

Designed as a multimedia interface cable, and its use is very similar to the Display Port interface, being able to carry audio and video and higher bandwidth than other video connectors.

The first analog/digital video connector, DVI was able to reproduce images more accurately than the analog VGA port. It cannot however carry the same bandwidth as newer video connectors and therefore is not future proof.

VGA is the oldest produced video connector and still widely used in devices world wide. It is the only fully analog format, and has been replaced on new devices in lieu of newer, digital connectors that reproduce images more accurately and can carry more data.

USB A is the most common USB connector found today, allowing us to plug many day to day devices to our computers and other electronics.

USB 3.x A is the same type connector as the original USB A, however being able to carry much more bandwidth therefore enabling much faster transfer rates.

USB B is the most common interface port found on printers, scanners, and other electronics. The cable typically combines USB B with A to enable devices to be attached to computers.

Topaz Signature Pads, Touch Screen monitors

USB 3.x B very much like it's A standard is the USB 3.x answer to the original USB B connector. Just like the A variant, it enables connectivity from USB 3.x devices to computers.

USB Mini B is still found in many small devices where space was a concern and a USB B connector would not suffice.

USB Micro B is a modification of the Mini connector, reshaping the interface for smaller devices, while lengthening its life span for lifetime connections

USB 3.x Micro B is a connector mostly utilized for smaller USB 3.x devices that have to be attached to a computer, while keeping the size small and flat.

USB C is the newest standard in USB connectors, and while being able to carry more information, the connector has also been completely reshaped allowing cables to be plugged in without orientation.

A connector seen everywhere today, the RJ45 connector enables us to network our computers and other electronics with network cables, most commonly Category 5/5e/6. The interface is very similar to a telephone cable, however it is wider to accommodate eight wires.

Receipt printer for connectivity with cash drawer, some Barcode Scanners

The telephone cable is still one of the most recognizable wires, and while technology is moving away from the standard in many ways, we still interact with this port in our day to day lives. It's typically used to connect telephones and accessories related to telephony. For BestRx use, it's most commonly used to connect a receipt printer to the cash drawer with an RJ11 -> RJ45 cable.

Receipt printer for connectivity with cash drawer, some Barcode Scanners

The Verifone MX interface USB cable is the preferred type of cable to connect compatible MX devices to a computer operating BestPOS or BestRx Electronic Signature Capture programs. The connector is very visibly blue, and terminates on the other end with a standard USB type A plug.

Verifone MX870, MX880, MX925 Signature Pads

The Verifone MX interface Serial RS232 cable is an older type of connector, less used today. The connector is very visibly green/cyan, and terminates on the other end with a standard Female Serial RS232 connector.

Verifone MX870, MX880, MX925 Signature Pads

The PS2 keyboard connector is very uncommon, and has been widely replaced by USB as a preferred interface for keyboards. It still provides some benefits over USB, albeit to a very niche group of users.

Topaz Signature Pads for additional Power Requirement

The PS2 mouse connector, very much like its keyboard counterpart, has been widely replaced by USB as a preferred interface for mice world wide.

The PS2 combo connector allows for either a PS2 keyboard or a PS2 mouse to be attached and used with the computer.

Topaz Signature Pads for additional Power Requirement

The Serial RS232 connector was the preferred type of connector for attaching devices to a computer, but has since been replaced by USB like many other devices. It's still being used in some Topaz Signature Pads, and older Verifone MX devices with the green interface cable.

Topaz Signature Pads, older Verifone signature pads