The Easy Transfer Cable is a USB 2.0 device which is used to connect two computers together. The connectors are both USB-A male connectors to connect to each PC, but the cable also has a small box in the middle which contains the needed electronics and chipset

Chipset

A chipset, PC chipset, or chip set refers to a group of integrated circuits, or chips, that are designed to work together. They are usually marketed as a single product.- Computers :...

 to allow the two connected computers to communicate with each other, and keeps the two computers connected electronically continuous (a direct USB-A to USB-A cable between each computer should not be used due to a short circuit

Short circuit

A short circuit in an electrical circuit that allows a current to travel along an unintended path, often where essentially no electrical impedance is encountered....

 risk).

History

The Easy Transfer Cable was originally designed for Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer

Windows Easy Transfer is a file transferring program included in newer versions of Microsoft Windows operating system which allows the switching files and settings between two PCs. The program aides migration of Windows XP or earlier to a new computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7. It...

, a program that comes with Windows Vista

Windows Vista

Windows Vista is an operating system released in several variations developed by Microsoft for use on personal computers, including home and business desktops, laptops, tablet PCs, and media center PCs...

 and Windows 7. Its internal hardware chipset is made by Prolific Technology Inc.

Software

Currently, there are only a few software products which are designed for this cable. They include:

• Windows Easy Transfer
  Windows Easy Transfer
  Windows Easy Transfer is a file transferring program included in newer versions of Microsoft Windows operating system which allows the switching files and settings between two PCs. The program aides migration of Windows XP or earlier to a new computer running Windows Vista or Windows 7. It...
  
  , by Microsoft
• Easy Computer Sync
  Easy Computer Sync
  Easy Computer Sync, developed by Bravura Software is a commercial utility program used to synchronize files and folders between computers, using an Easy Transfer Cable...
  
  , by Bravura Software

Manufacturers

There are several manufacturers of the Easy Transfer Cable. A frequently updated list is available here.

As of August 25, 2009, they include:

• BAFO
• Belkin
  Belkin
  Belkin International, Inc., is a Californian manufacturer of computer hardware that specializes in connectivity devices, headquartered in Playa Vista, Los Angeles, California...
  
  
• Cables To Go
• Cables Unlimited
• Dynex
• IO Gear
• Star Tech
• Tripp Lite
• ST Lab

External links

• Prolific Technology Inc
• Windows Vista: Windows Easy Transfer
• Easy Computer Sync