All TI graphing calculators include a calculator-to-calculator link cable. For linking to a computer, a separate cable is required (which may be included with your calculator as well depending on the model). There are several ways to link to a computer. The most common method is via the TI Connectivity Cable USB ( silver link ) which works with most calculator models. TI's newest calculators can also use a direct USB cable ( TI Connectivity Standard A to Mini-B USB Cable ) which is included with the calculator. TI also still produces its older serial cables, the TI Graph Links ( black link and gray link ). Lastly, you can make a homemade cable yourself.
If you have a Macintosh, your only choices are the TI Connectivity Cable USB, the USB direct cable, or the cheaper, build-it-yourself PICLink. There isn't any software for MacOS to support the other homemade cables. If your calculator came with the direct USB cable, that is recommended. Otherwise, the TI Connectivity Cable USB is the best choice for modern Macintosh computers (which have USB ports but no serial/parallel ports).
If you have a PC, you have several choices. For newer calculators that include the direct USB cable, that is your best choice. For most other calculators, the silver link (TI Connectivity Cable USB) is your best choice. If you have an older computer with serial ports, the TI Graph Link will work with most calculators. Homemade cables such as the serial link or PICLink also exist but are no longer cost-effective for most users and are limited to older calculator models. The homemade parallel cable is the cheapest to buy or build, and has more supported linking software than the serial link. If you don't have a free parallel (printer) port, you might find it better to obtain a serial cable, which is slightly harder to build than the parallel cable and a little more expensive.
