TITLE
    USB: About the Universal Serial Bus
Article ID:
Created:
Modified:
43002
7/29/98
9/29/99

TOPIC

    This article, gleaned from the Info Center help system which comes with your iMac, describes the Universal Serial Bus (USB).


DISCUSSION

    (This article is from the Info Center, which comes on your computer's hard disk.)

    Universal Serial Bus offers :
    • plug-and-play flexibility
    • standard connectors and cables
    • automatic configuration of devices as soon as they are connected
    • hot swapping (the connecting and disconnecting of devices while the computer is on)
    • ability to have multiple devices run simultaneously on one computer
    What is USB?
    Universal Serial Bus (USB) is a peripheral bus standard that allows you to connect a variety of peripheral devices to your computer. Many Macintosh computers use Small Computer Standard Interface (SCSI), Apple Desktop Bus (ADB), and serial connections to connect peripheral devices. USB will eventually replace these standards.

    How does USB work?
    Many USB devices have a "captive," or attached, USB cable. To connect a USB device to your computer, you simply plug the USB cable from the device into a USB port on your computer. You can connect or disconnect a USB device at any time, as often as you want, without having to turn your computer off, restart it, or put it to sleep.
    What USB devices can I use with my computer?

    USB is a multi-platform standard. You can use any USB device that is developed for use with the Mac OS. Check for the Mac OS logo on the USB product packaging, which tells you that the USB product will work with Macintosh computers.
    Manufacturers of USB devices for personal computers that do not use the Mac OS may offer software you can install on your computer so that you can use their USB device with your Mac OS computer. For more information, contact the device's manufacturer.

    How do I use my existing peripheral devices, such as a printer, with my computer?
    Manufacturers other than Apple may offer adapters and other products that allow you to connect a non-USB device to your computer. For more information, see an Apple-authorized dealer or retailer.

    How do I find out what USB devices I can use with my computer?

    Apple has a site on the World Wide Web devoted to USB information. To see a list of USB devices that work with Mac OS computers, go to the following Web site: " http://www.apple.com/usb "

Document Information
Product Area: iMac
Category: USB
Sub Category: Features

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