Computer Plugs and Sockets (Jacks)

*** also see http://pinouts.ru

It can be confusing  .  .  .  all the various standards associated with electrical and physical interfaces.  Typically, each interface has a physical standard which describes the dimensions and the number of pins of the plug, whether it is male or female, etc.  They also have an electrical standard that describes the pinouts, the voltages, currents, and power, as well as the data that runs across each pin (or wire).  

Plugs vs Sockets (Jacks) vs Cables - a plug is the psrt that you hold and insert.  The socket, or jack is the receptacle for the plug.  The cable is the wire or wires in a sheath that connects to the plug.  The three components form a matched set, where the plug, socket, and cable have similar electrical characteristics.  Here we will show only the plugs and their corresponding sockets..

The following diagram displays all common computer interfaces . . . the plugs, sockets, and where they are typically located on a computer back plane: