USB is a protocol emerged mid-1900s for connecting computer peripherals to the computer easily. At the time there are problems with other protocols like speed, plugin and play, comp-ability. USB is designed as universal protocol which can be used by most of the computer peripherals and companies. Now it most used connection type. Here list of devices those can use USB for connections

Keyboard
Digital Camera
Mouse
Printer
Portable Media Players
Disk Drives
Network Adapters
Phones
TV
…

Versions

USB have currently 3 versions. In each new version the comp-ability and speed is improved.

Version 1.x

The first reliable and globally accepted version is 1.0 . This version is released in 1996. and provides 1.5 Mbit/s speed. This version is mainly used for keyboards, mouse and joystick.

The 1.1 subversion is released 1998. This version brought big performance with 12 Mbit/s support.

Version 2.0

Version is 2.0 is major version and bring a lot of new features and performance options. 2.0 is the most popular version currently. Version 2.0 released at 2000 and provides 280 Mbit/s speed.

This version also bring different type of connectors like Mini-A and Mini-B . In this version some electronic devices like phone, Bluetooth ears can be charged through USB connection.

Version 3.0

Version 3.0 is the latest version. This version is released 2008 . USB 3.0 provides 3.2 Gbit/s data transmission speed. There is also 900mA power support in order to change devices with USB cable.

Connector and Cable

Type-A

This type is the first version of USB connector

LEARN MORE Linux lspci Command Tutorial with Examples

Type-B

This type is first version OS USB connector and generally used for printers and hard disk devices.

Mini-A

This type of connector is second generation connector

Mini-B

This type of connector is second generation connector

Micro-A

This type of connector is second generation connector and mainly used for phones

Micro-B