How to Use a USB Data Cable
USB data cables are used to connect devices that have USB or mini-USB ports to computers that have USB ports. When you connect a device to a computer using a USB data cable, you can then share information or even charge the USB device that is connected to the computer.
Supplies needed:
USB data cable
USB equipped device
Computer
Examine the USB data cable and see if it has two USB ends or a USB and mini-USB end. If the cable has a mini-USB end, then you will be using the USB end with the computer. If the USB data cable has two USB ends, then it does not matter which end that you use with the computer.
Find the USB ports on your computer. Some desktops will have the USB ports located on the back of the computer, while other desktops will have USB ports on both the front and back of the computer. If you have a laptop, then the USB ports will probably be on the sides and back of the laptop.
Carefully connect the USB data cable to the computer. Make sure that you have the USB data cable correctly positioned. Forcing it in the wrong way can damage the USB port.
Connect the other end of the USB data cable to the USB equipped device. Be sure to have the USB data cable correctly positioned. Forcing it in the wrong way can damage the port and the device.
Power on the device. The computer will alert you that it has detected the new device. Allow the connection. You will then be able to share information or charge the USB equipped device.