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