usb

[kloofnek]

What is the difference between a USB port and USB Hub

The instructions for my digital camera says to plug into a USB port not USB Hub.

[richtee]

Hi kloofnek,
A USB port is normally the USB ports that are on the front or back of your computer. If you need additional ports, you buy a hub- a block with more ports to plug USB devices into, which itself plugs into a USB port on your computer. There are two types of hub- powered and unpowered. Powered is usually best for most applications. Normally its best to plug your camera directly into the port on your PC, but it can work ok plugged into a powered hub. Not the absolutely definitive answer, but is ok for your needs I hope.
Good Luck

[rojash]

... unless of course, it's a powered hub

[kloofnek]

Hi ,I have one of those you mention,Richtee,hub-a-block.
What is a hub powered one?

[richtee]

Hi again kloofnek,
A powered Hub comes with a Transformer you plug into the mains, and the lead from the transformer plugs into the Hub.
An unpowered hub has no transformer-just plugs into the USB port on your PC-takes its power from the PC. As was said, best to plug your camera straight into a USB port on your PC.
Good Luck

[kloofnek]

Thanx so much.

[ACtheTROLL]

all sort of right ... sort of

there are two types of USB devices ... active and passive

active powers from the usb port
passive doesn't - it just uses the data
each USB port can talk to 128-1 devices (hub +127 devices)
the total bandwidth of that 1 port is shared between all the devices ... more than one output ... but only one input

all hubs are active and carry [email protected] ... but again that's shared between all the ports - so a usb powered device maybe won't work.

the only "rule" - is slap it into your hub ... if it works ... ok ... if not move back one - or try powering the hub

[kloofnek]

Gosh,it`s getting more complicate!!!
Thanx though,