Information about a USB Hub?

Posted: Jul 24, 2010 |

Since the mid 90's we have seen the birth and growth of a connective technology called Universal Serial Bus (USB). Originally designed to connect computers and telecoms equipment, it has slowly become the primary means of connecting a whole host of other devices and has made significant contributions to today's IT world.

The sheer number of USB products on the market today is just staggering, from mice and keyboards, modems, external hard drives to USB fans, lights and coffee cup warmers! Most external computer related devices today connect to a computer via a USB port. So it's no wonder that before long, most computer users find themselves wondering what to do when the USB ports (sockets) on their computer are all used.

There are two solutions to the problem, constantly plug and unplug connectors when swapping between USB devices, or invest in a simple, low cost device called a USB Hub. A USB Hub is a small unit with two or more USB ports, which plugs into an USB port on your computer, allowing you the freedom to connect more USB devices without disconnecting others. Expanding the number of USB ports of your computer in this way not only saves wear and tear on your USB ports and connectors, but also puts and end to all that clambering around behind your PC! Generally speaking, there are four types of available:


1. Internal USB PCI Card
An internal PCI USB Card needs to be installed by opening up the case of your PC and inserting a card into a vacant PCI slot on the motherboard, this type of USB expansion is not advised unless you are familiar with working with and inside computers. If you have the older USB1.1 and upgrade to USB2.0, your version of Windows will also need to be updated so that your PC can support USB2.0 functionality.

2. USB Hub (Non Powered)
An external non-powered USB Hub is a cheap and simple device that plugs directly into one of your computer's existing USB ports and that's all there is to it. These are usually very compact and so make ideal solutions for mobile users with laptops and for desktop users.

Be aware that some USB devices require a small amount of power through the USB port, usually mechanical devices such as printers, scanners, digital cameras and so on. This type of USB Hub may not be able to supply adequate power to these devices especially if you are using a few USB devices together.

3. Powered USB Hub
An external Powered USB Hub is also compact and plugs directly into one of your computer's existing USB ports, so again there is no need to open up your computer to install it. The only difference is that the Powered Hub comes with a separate power supply that must be plugged into the mains socket, supplying the power to all the USB ports on the hub allowing ANY type of USB devices to function properly.

Most Powered Hubs come with a sensible length of USB cable allowing the Hub itself to be positioned in a more accessible place e.g. on top of your computer or on your desk, making plugging and unplugging USB devices much easier. This makes the Powered Hub the all round best solution for desktop computer users.

4. USB PC Card
If you use a Laptop and are on the move, you have an additional choice to the USB Hub, the USB PC Card also known as the PCMCIA USB Card. This device slots into the PCMCIA slot/port found on the side of a Laptop and instantly provides two extra USB ports without using up any of your existing USB ports on the Laptop.
This is the most popular solution for mobile Laptop users. When buying a suitable external USB Hub, consider the location of your computer's USB ports. If they are located at the back of your computer or in an awkward position, you can make your life so much easier by using a USB Hub that comes with a USB extension cable, or by buying a separate USB extension cable. This allows the USB Hub to be positioned to a more accessible place for plugging and unplugging your USB devices.

Questions and Answers

Ask
200 Characters left
Rate this Article
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 0 vote(s)
    Feedback
    Print
    Re-Publish
    Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/computers-articles/information-about-a-usb-hub-2889306.html

    Article Tags:

    computers

    ,

    technologies

    ,

    world wide web

    ,

    internet

    ,

    website

    ,

    network

    ,

    software

    ,

    hardware

    ,

    tech

    ,

    comp

    ,

    data

    Clinical research software can provide a single, integrated data capture and study management platform for post-approval research and registries conducted by biopharmaceutical and medical device companies, Clinical Research Organizations (CROs) and Academic Medical Centers (AMCs). Clinical research software

    By: Josue Maynardl Computersl May 24, 2010

    Every year, before schools and college institutions begin their classes, students from around the country visit department stores and major electronics chains in an effort to get all those necessities that will allow them to complete successfully their studies. So, if you have recently been accepted to

    By: Jeff Sewardl Computersl Jul 25, 2010 lViews: 105

    Nowadays, it has become more practical to shop online when you need to upgrade or buy supplies for your computers. Visiting online stores is indeed a lot more convenient than going from one computer store to another. The good news is, now you don't even have to leave the office or your home to find the items

    By: Jake J Saabl Computersl Jul 25, 2010

    Making money online is fast becoming the most popular way to success nowadays. And talking about online business, membership website which focus on attaining a certain number of members and let them pay for their membership status are popular for a huge success.

    By: Jasper Sayerl Computersl Jul 24, 2010

    With the right tools at your disposal, it's astonishing how many niche blogs it's possible to set-up in virtually no time. Of course, you require quality PLR content, a bit of know-how and you need to be right on the money in finding ways to monetize your blogs (or, quite frankly, what's the point)... but,

    By: Jules Simsl Computersl Jan 30, 2011

    There is a lot of talk these days with regard to proper development practices and accessible web design. If you don't think any of this applies to you or your website, you probably don't understand exactly what this is all about. Web Accessibility refers to the practice of creating websites that will be

    By: Juliet Spaldingl Computersl Jul 01, 2010

    An in depth look at the new MMORPG from Blizzard Entertainment known as Diablo III, a long awaited release for Diablo fans.

    By: swtorman90l Computersl Jun 01, 2012

    Most small businesses take advantage of computer technology, and it certainly can make things a lot easier for everyone within the business when you do so properly. Unfortunately, there are also a number of different problems that can occur as a result of the technology that you are using.

    By: Jesus Mattsonl Computersl May 31, 2012
    Steve Crown

    Copying ipod to computer is easy. For more information on how read this article.

    By: Steve Crownl Computersl May 28, 2012

    Online training software has found its place in almost all the offices and organizations. It can be used to train employees over the net

    By: Yaxley Halel Computersl May 28, 2012

    According to leading research carried out by Gartner, the number of PCs distributed throughout the first quarter of 2012 went up by 1.9% which was better than analysts predicted.

    By: Daniel Kiddl Computersl May 28, 2012

    Joint ventures are the key to financial happiness on the internet, and I do believe that they are related to dating - they follow the same structure.

    By: Justin Sloanl Businessl Apr 27, 2011

    What makes you different? How do I know I will get value from your services? Why should I use your services, as opposed to someone else? These are questions that I get constantly.

    By: Justin Sloanl Businessl Apr 27, 2011

    When the curd is completely removed from milk, as in making cheese, a clear, light, yellowish liquid known as whey remains. Whey is composed of water, minerals, and milk sugar or lactic acid, and is the least valuable part of the milk. The ingenious housewife will never be at a loss to make use of

    By: Justin Sloanl Food and Beveragel Apr 20, 2011

    When I was little, jelly beans were found in most stores at only one time of the year and that was during the Easter season. The choices were very limited, typically the regular assorted bag of flavors and colors or bags of spiced jelly beans. Today, there is vast array of jelly bean choices along with some

    By: Justin Sloanl Food and Beveragel Apr 18, 2011

    Have you been waiting all summer to host a BBQ party? If so, the time is now to plan your last event of the season. There is no reason to procrastinate any longer when planning and hosting a BBQ party is such as simple process. If you are interested in hosting a BBQ party keep the following tips in mind!

    By: Justin Sloanl Sports and Fitnessl Apr 18, 2011
    Author Box
    Articles Categories
    All Categories
    Quantcast