So why are there so many different kinds of computer tech cables, anyway? Why is it all so confusing?

The New York Times online has a slideshow with close-up photos and descriptions of 12 different cables commonly used around the home or office. Plus they offer their opinion on whether to spend a lot of money for the high-quality version of each cable, or whether it’s okay to go with the cheapie, and the approximate price you should pay.

Here’s the link to the slideshow: A World of Cables, Unknotted

The list of cables they show and explain:

• Coaxial
• Composite
• S-Video
• Component
• HDMI
• VGA
• DVI
• Mini DVI
• Ethernet (aka Cat-5 or Cat-6)
• USB Mini and micro USB
• FireWire