Adding a USB hub , Just about every device imaginable device is available with a USB interface today, from scanners, printers, cameras, phones, external hard disks, even desk side accessories and toys such as missile launching stations and dancing flowers.
One of the reasons USB has become so popular is the ease of use, generally there is no manual configuration, run the software, plug in the device and your off and running. With so many devices coming in USB it's not surprising the amount of USB ports on a desktop or laptop computer has increased, but even then once you take away 2 for mouse and keyboard they soon start to run out.
If you find your computer running out of USB ports, how about adding a USB hub ? this will allow you to expand a single USB port into many, usually between 4 and 10, but you can also daisy chain more if needed.
Firstly make sure your computer supports USB 2 as apposed to USB1 or it will be very slow, you can still add extra cards either PCI to desktops or PCMCIA to laptops which will give you USB 2 compatibility. Checkout our Adding a USB card article for more information.
Before purchasing or adding a USB hub estimate the amount of ports you actually need and then add 2 on top of this for future devices. Next device if you want a mains powered or port powered hub.
I'd recommend a mains powered hub as many devices cannot be sufficiently powered from the hub on its own, especially if you plug-in many devices as the power is then distributed to all devices, and you'll find this exceeds the power of the USB port the hub is plugged into.
Adding / Installing a USB Hub Installing is a simple procedure Firstly if the hub has come with a CD run this software first, it will prompt you to plug in the hub.
NOTE.. Many USB hubs will not come with software as they only act as a gateway to other devices.
If you've a mains powered hub plug this into the mains socket Next plug the hub into a USB port on your computer, plug it into the least accessible port as you probably won't need to remove the hub as often as many other devices. Set the USB hub in a easy to reach location where you can easily connect your devices.
