| Plug and play equipment or hardware solves the | | | | to be connected to it. If you are a big "gadget" fan, |
| problem of driver installation, re-starting routines, and | | | | you can simply plug another hub into the first one, |
| generally speaking, "hassle", for those who are not | | | | and so on. |
| technically proficient. | | | | U.S.B. is classified as Serial communication, as opposed |
| If your computer supports "Plug and Play", then, as | | | | to parallel communication. |
| the name suggests, you simply plug it in and play. For | | | | This means that it transmits data/info/signal, if you |
| people who are "word perfect", plug and play might | | | | like, one "bit" at a time. Conversely, it receives it in a |
| sound somewhat misleading. Peripherals, such as your | | | | similar fashion. This is done or executed, in one wire |
| mouse, keyboard, monitors, scanners, network | | | | or cable. |
| adaptors, or printers are included in this. | | | | Did you ever notice the "big" or "wide" ends on your |
| This long awaited technology is made possible via | | | | cables? These cables are parallel and transmit/receive |
| your U.S.B. port. U.S.B. is an abbreviation for | | | | data/info/signals, many "bits" at a time. Therefore, |
| UNIVERSAL SERIAL BUS. Using this port, your | | | | parallel communication needs many cables/wires and |
| computer detects such peripherals, and after | | | | consequently more connections, at its port. |
| detection, configuration is automatic, in so far as you | | | | U.S.B. ports and cables are smaller. Just pop around to |
| have no further input. | | | | the back of your P.C., and you will immediately notice |
| Prior to "plug n play", you would have to insert a | | | | the difference. On the machine that I am currently |
| floppy disc or cd, to supply and install the necessary | | | | working on, I noticed that the printer has both types |
| software or "driver". To put it simply, your computer | | | | of ports and that the parallel port and cabling is the |
| cannot see or indeed smell or intuitively know what a | | | | option that the technician used. The serial option |
| device, its properties, requirements and priorities are. | | | | would have worked just the same, at this level, |
| Most computers have two USB ports, usually | | | | where transmission speeds are of little relevance. |
| situated on the back of your unit. A U.S.B. "hub" will | | | | In summary, Plug 'n Play is welcomed and embraced |
| effectively increase this number. Basically, it is like an | | | | by everyone and is a major step towards |
| electrical adaptor which allows up to seven devices | | | | "user-friendly" computing. |