Video and digital Cameras, scanners, MP3 players, and almost every other electronic gadget is built to be linked to your computer.
And, with the introduction of the USB or Universal Serial Bus connection, all modern computers make it easy to connect these devices. However, due to the number of gadgets you may have, you may run out of these ports.
If your computer is utilizing all of its USB ports, you may purchase a USB Hub. This hub has a number of USB ports. Rather than having to remove one item in order to put in another, a USB hub enables you to connect several devices.
To connect a USB hub to your computer, you must first ensure that your system allows you to do so. If your computer was manufactured before 1997, it most certainly does not support USB.
Examine your computer to check whether it has a USB port. Photos at http://www.ultimatepcrepair.com/photos.html illustrate what USB ports look like and where they may be located in every computer.
You should think about why you want to buy a USB hub. This will assist you in choosing the kind of USB hub to buy. Also, do some research on the item you wish to connect, since not all gadgets can be linked to USB hubs.
The two kinds of USB hubs are self-powered (drawing power from an external power source) and bus-powered (inserted into an expansion slot and drawing power from the motherboard).
Some gadgets that need a lot of power do not function well with bus powered hubs. A scanner, for example, will perform much better when linked to a self-powered USB hub.
When connecting a device to a USB hub, check to see what version of USB it is. USB 1.0 was the first version to be published, while today's fastest version is USB 2.0. Backward compatibility is provided by all USB 2.0 hubs. This enables them to use slower USB 1.0 devices.
A hub 2.0 hub costs between $25.00 and $65.00 and is available in a variety of brands. The cost is determined by the number of ports you need on the hub.
SETUP OF YOUR NEW USB HUB
It is usually a good idea to backup your data before working on your computer.
Remove the hub from its packaging and examine it thoroughly for damage and to ensure that all components are there. Stop and carefully read the hub documentation for instructions such as turning off the computer first or installing software prior to connecting the hub to the computer.
Plug the power cord into an outlet and connect the USB wire from the hub to an open USB port if you have a powered hub. Connect the hub and insert the cdrom that came with the hub to install the software onto the hard drive.
Place the USB hub in a convenient place where you can attach your scanner, modem, or other devices. Keep in mind that your computer can only operate at the fastest USB speed. If your hub has USB 2.0 but your machine only supports USB 1.0, your maximum speed will be the 1.0 connection.
If your USB hub is self-powered, put it in an empty expansion slot by removing the system unit cover, removing the retaining screw and cover from the slot, firmly sliding the card into the slot, and securing it to the motherboard with the retaining screw.
When you restart your computer, your operating system should detect the new device. Install any software included with the hub. To enable the computer to interact with the hub, you may need to install a device driver.
It's that simple, and why not make it enjoyable? Learn as you go and put yourself in a position to appreciate your work. You will be eager to do additional chores in the same frame of mind.
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Computer