What is USB 2.0
1. What is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is the
next generation USB (Universal Serial Bus) interface technology which enables
you to connect multiple devices (such
as hubs, printers, mice, joysticks, keyboards, etc.) to your computer. This
technology is also referred to as Hi-Speed USB.
2. How fast is USB
2.0?
You can transfer data between the
computer and peripherals 40 times faster than original USB. Hi-Speed USB
technology offers transfer rates up to 480Mbps (megabits per second)
compared to USB 1.1 devices, which transfer at speeds of 12Mbps. For
example, it would take 1.1 minutes to download a 100 MB file with USB 1.1
devices in a sustained, optimal condition, while with USB 2.0 it only takes
1.6 seconds to transfer the same file.
3. Why do I need it?
USB 2.0 will
become the standard for future peripherals using the USB interface connection.
However, it will not replace original USB technology in all products. Next
generation USB allows users to transfer data faster between peripherals and the
computer. Users are also able to connect up to 127 devices to a single
computer by adding hubs to create more USB 2.0 ports.
4. What products
offer USB 2.0 technology?
USB 2.0
technology will be integrated in a vast amount of peripherals. Some products
that will incorporate this technology include storage devices (such as
external hard drives and CD burners), hubs, printers, scanners, digital cameras,
PDAs, speakers and Web cams.
5. Will USB 2.0 improve the speed of other devices connected to My
computer?
No. In order
to take advantage of the faster speeds, you must plug in a USB 2.0 device into a
USB 2.0 compliant computer (or a computer that has been recently upgraded to
USB 2.0). However, as USB 2.0 is fully backward compatible, you will be able
to use a USB 1.1 device in a USB 2.0 compliant system.
6. What does
‘backward compatible’ mean?
This means you
can upgrade your computer to this next generation USB technology, yet still use
today’s current USB 1.1 devices until you upgrade the
device.
7. How
does USB 2.0 compare in speed to FireWire®?
It’s faster. USB 2.0 offers transfers rates
up to 480Mbps, while FireWire® has speeds up to 400Mbps.
8. How do I
know if it will work on my system?
USB 2.0
will work with Microsoft Windows XP by downloading the software from its Web
site. A version will be available soon for Windows 2000; however, you will
have to rely on third-party USB 2.0 support for Windows 98. As for
Macintosh, it is available with Mac OS X.
9. When will USB 2.0 be
available?
USB 2.0 peripherals are
available today. USB 2.0 requirements are finalized and manufacturers are
integrating this increased speed into next generation products. You can take
advantage of its benefits immediately.
10.
Can I simply plug in the device and use immediately?
USB 2.0 inherits the similar Plug-n-Play
specifications of its predecessor, enabling you to easily connect peripherals
and use immediately without configuring the hardware. It also provides
hot-swapping capability (move from computer to computer).
The only other products required are a USB 2.0 cable and USB 2.0 port. Ports are currently being sold for laptops (USB 2.0 PCMCIA Cardbuses) as well as PCs / Macs (USB 2.0 PCI Cards).
Source; USB-2-0.com
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