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Add Peripherals Easily with USB

Microsoft® Windows® 98's support for the new Universal Serial Bus (USB) makes it much easier for you to install new peripheral devices-such as mice, joysticks, keyboards, scanners, video conferencing cameras, and speakers-and to remove old ones. With USB, you just plug in the connector and your PC takes care of the rest.

Gone are the days when it was a big chore for computer users, even seasoned professionals, to add peripherals. Now you no longer need to be concerned with such things as dip switches, jumper cables, software drivers, DMA channels, and I/O addresses. Here are some of the ways USB helps your computing experience:

One standard connector type - "one-size-fits-all." Hot insertion and removal - now you can attach and detach peripherals while your system stays up and running. Chain devices together - USB allows some peripherals to incorporate "hubs" that serve as connection points for other devices. This lets you use more than one USB-compatible device at a time.

Automatic installation - when a USB-compatible peripheral is connected, PCs with USB automatically install and configure the necessary drivers and system resources. Separate power cord not required - most USB devices get their power through the USB bus (connection) itself, so only one cable is needed.

Faster - USB transfers data 10 times faster than traditional serial ports.

Today many PCs support USB, and analysts project that by the end of this year over 83 percent of all new desktop computers will be USB-capable. Currently, Microsoft Windows 95 OEM Service Release 2.1 has limited support for USB. (If you are unsure how to determine which release of Windows 95 you are using, consult this Knowledge Base Article. Microsoft Windows 98 will provide comprehensive support for a wide range of USB devices. Expanding your computer's capabilities has never been easier. To find out more about USB, visit the USB Developers Home Page.

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