What type of cable was commonly used before USB connections?

Serial cables were commonly used before USB connections due to their ability to transmit data one bit at a time over a single channel. This technology was widely employed for connecting peripheral devices such as modems, printers, and mice to computers. Over time, however, as technology advanced and the need for faster data transfer rates grew, USB connections emerged as a more versatile and efficient alternative.

Serial connections were limited by speed and the number of devices that could be connected directly. USB technology offered significantly faster data transfer rates, the ability to connect multiple devices through hubs, and the convenience of hot-swapping (connecting and disconnecting devices without powering down the computer). This transition to USB connections marked a significant advancement in how devices communicate with computers, making serial cables largely obsolete for most modern applications.