About USB

About USB

USB stands for Universal Serial Bus. It is the interface between your computer and the USB devices you plug into it. Your computer communicates with USB devices through the USB interface.

Some USB features are particularly important to desktop computer users:

■USB is one-size-fits-all—any USB device can be plugged into any USB port using the appropriate USB cable.

■USB devices feature plug-and-play installation—you don't have to open your computer or add special hardware to install a new USB device. Once you plug your USB device into your computer (or hub) and turn it on, you can start using it right away.

■You can hot-swap USB devices. You can easily unplug your digital camera to take away with you, or plug in your joystick during your lunch break.

■You can have many USB devices connected to your computer at once. Most newer computers come with 2 USB ports. USB hubs can provide additional ports.

USB 1.1 vs USB 2.0

USB 2.0 transfers data at 480 Megabits per second. USB 1.1 transfers data at 12 Megabits per second—that makes USB 2.0 up to 40 times faster than USB 1.1.

USB 1.1 devices cannot operate at USB 2.0 speeds even when connected to a USB 2.0 hub or adapter.

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