USB is a "Plug and Play" interface that allows the easy connection of mice, printers, scanners, digital cameras, and many other peripherals to a computer (or other USB capable devices).

For more detailed information please see below.

USB continued...

Most (if not all) new PCs come with USB ports built-in. The amount of USB ports your PC has will depend on the manufacturer and model.

If you need additional USB ports then you can purchase special devices (internal and external) called USB hubs, which will allow you to add more USB devices very easily.

You can connect USB devices while the PC is switched on, also it isn't necessary to restart the PC and SHOULD automatically prompt the user to load any necessary drivers that came with your device.

USB 2.0 is a newer implementation of the USB standard and was jointly developed by Hewlett-Packard, Intel, Lucent, Microsoft, NEC and Philips.

USB 2.0 provides a higher data transfer rate of up to 480Mbps (Megabits per second).

Back to Computer Dictionary