0:0:0   CUT THE BLUE WIRE

Longer cables, or extensions, are useful if your computer has sockets at the back, or it's on the floor, or you're using a multi-port USB hub, or you want devices to be positioned away from your immediate work area.
Also, if you work on different computers or work in different locations, it's smart to have an A-B cable, an A-b cable, and an A-A extension with you.

The plug that goes into your computer is a USB A. The plug that goes into your desktop device is usually a USB B. And the plug that goes into your pocket device is usually a USB Mini-B. So, the two main cables are A-B and A-b.
An extension cable has a USB A plug at one end and a USB A socket at the other. Usually, it connects an A socket on your computer or your hub to the A plug on the device's normal cable. It's called an A-A.

USB 2.0 specifies a maximum single-run cable length of 5.0 metres, unless you use a hub as a booster: a signal integrity limitation explained on the technical page.
USB 2.0 specifies a maximum data-transfer rate of 480 Mb/s: 480 million bits a second. However, the cables work with all USB 1.1 devices.

The beige cables and extensions are the best quality: they look it and feel it, and their manufacture and testing comply with ISO 9002 standards. The clear cables are the same quality: short ones are often sold with digital cameras. The lava lights up at each end.

The USB Store has tested and sold a lot of USB cables and extensions. As far as I know, we have not had any cable failures or transmission problems.