The processor is what co-ordinates the functioning of the remaining parts of the computer. And the cables connect all these parts together as well as bring power to the machine. In the beginning it may appear that the selection of cables is very simple, and usually decided by the factory design, but is this always true?

All of us know that computers have a number of ports, and yet we rarely consider that each port has a connection point, usually via cable, for one piece of hardware to connect to another. Take the PS/2 port, for example, that connects a mouse or keyboard to the computer. The cable may be a flexible one with gold connectors, and be specially made with foil and braid shielding to reduce EMI/RFI interference, which could impair the mouse’s operation.

Another port that needs a connecting cable is the VGA port. This port connects the computer and the monitor together and allows the user to actually see the output. The cable needed to connect this is a male to male extension and high resolution monitor cable with a ferrite core that eliminates interference.

Though the cables for most of the connections required to connect printers, monitors, keyboards, etc. to the CPU is a fairly standardized affair, the more creative uses of cables are a bit of a mystery to many computer users. For example, consider the multimedia cable kits needed to hook up the average notebook computer to a television set in order to create a small home entertainment system. The cabling needed for this application includes an RCA (Composite Video) cable which offers direct connection ability to the RCA connector at the television itself. Also included in this kit is an S-Video cable as a secondary backup, in case your television actually allows for the S-Video hook-up. The last cable in this kit would be the S/PDIF digital audio cable which serves as the connection for a digital audio device that ensures top quality sound.

Yet another creative use of cables is making a connection between a projector and a computer. The video signal to be transferred must be pure to create a sharp, highly defined, and natural looking image on a projector, and this is quite a challenge. Cables used in for application are made especially to eliminate signal deterioration and video noise very often leads to a fuzzy, poorly defined picture image, which destroys the integrity of even the best picture presentation. The cables used for this application are made from UL 2919 certified 30 AWG materials with double shielded braid.

Obviously, cables must be selected first and foremost for their proper connectivity. A cable having a serial port connector will be utterly useless for a USB port and vice versa. Therefore, in order to ensure adequate connection of all hardware, you must be certain to refer very often to the user’s manual that came with your computer and any new peripherals you may purchase later on. In addition to the foregoing, make sure you choose high-end cabling for new additions to the system you may wish to purchase at a later date. Cabling is not all that expensive or scary, and you truly will get what you pay for. Or course, most components will already come pre-packaged with a cable or two, and many of these cables are said to be the best possible solution for connectivity, but this is not always true. Usually, it is a good idea to invest a little extra money and buy another set of cables, to ensure the highest quality output (or input) possible. Always remember, it is not a useful endeavor to purchase a high end graphics card or sound card, and then skimp on the quality of the cable since you will not get the full benefit of the upgrade.

Finally, while most manuals will guide the user to selecting the proper cable, the addition of peripherals will usually require the user to do a little bit more research above and beyond the basic research required to select the best possible compatible peripheral.