Versatility makes USB a preferred interface for computer peripheral connectivity. A single universal interface replacing the necessity for dedicated ports such as serial, parallel, VGA, DVI, PS/2 and more.

USB allows connection to legacy equipment with adaptors such as USB to Serial or USB to Parallel and enables expansion in connectivity with adaptors such as USB to VGA or USB to DVI adding additional display outputs.
With transfer rates of up to 480Mbps on USB 2.0 and up to 5Gbps across USB 3.0, USB is also widely used for external hard drive and portable media applications. These devices often derive power directly from the USB port making separate power supplies redundant and reducing overall power consumption.
For mobile users accessing media and services on the move or IT managers delivering peripheral access to a workforce, USB provides universal flexibility.