USB : Computer Hardware Buyers’ Glossary

USB has almost completely replaced serial and parallel ports for attaching keyboards, mice, cameras, webcams, and other assorted devices.

You are supposed to be able to just plug in a device and go, without rebooting. However, on Vista, I have found they often don’t work unless you do reboot.

The big problem with it is you can’t tell at a causual glance which way is up on either the male or female USB connector. The rule of thumb is, insert the connector with the white plastic bar on the male down. I am sure you can think of some obscene mnemonic to help you remember this.

Appearance
Type	USB male connector	USB mini male connector
Where Used	Often used on desktop computers.	Often used on printers.
Orientation	Insert the connector with the white plastic bar on the male down. When the slot is mounted vertically, the white bar goes on the left and the hole on the right. I am sure you can think of some obscene mnemonic or to help you remember this. Put a red dots with Sharpie fine tip permanent marker on the hole side of the cable connectors and on the hole side (top and right) of the slots so you won't have to think about which way to insert.	The rounded part of the D is usually up.