Cables, Connectors, Jacks and Plugs:

Everything you think you know about these items but really don't!!


Presenter: Dr. Fred Kersten



First National Conference of The College Music Society in

Vancouver, British Columbia

October 11–13, 2018



    This presentation will examine connection protocol between adapters, jacks, and plugs, necessary for effective interaction. New connectors such as the USB-C, its interconnectivity problems and possibilities, will be addressed. 

    Connectivity knowledge of your computer and the system equipment that you utilize in your program is not only valuable but mandatory. With more and more different devices available, understanding interface connection possibilities and connectors utilized between units becomes more complex.


Some questions to be explored:

*What are uses of DVI instead of VGA?

*Is VGA dead?

*When and why do we use HDMI and DisplayPort?

*What is a mini USB? Where is it used? Why? What does it connect to and why use it?

*What is the difference between USB Type-C, and USB-3?

*What is Thunderbolt?

*How do I "hotswap?"

*How do new connectors influence speed of data transfer?

*What types of ports have been discontinued recently or are now on their way to obsolescence?

*The Male and Female of it-How do I address this?

    Several plug and connector hardware demo templates will be provided with the plugs affixed.

    Attendees can then see and physically inspect items that are discussed during the session. In that manner, a real-time physical presence can be provided.



Resources to Consider:
Craig Anderton Article:  So Valuable!!

Handout from Presentation!




Video of Presentation