USB Technology: From USB Keyboards to USB Coffee Mug Heaters
Does it come with USB support? Do you have a USB thing for sale? Is it USB compliant? Is that really a USB keyboard? Just what is USB?!
If you are asking the same question as the last one, chances are you've been missing out on one of the most impressive technologies ever to become integrated into the realm of personal computer systems, let alone revolutionize digital technology in itself. Or maybe you're not, but just don't know what USB technology is, unaware that practically every electronic gadget you own successfully operates on USB technology. If you are very well aware about your "ignorance" with USB, read on and find out just what the fuss over USB is all about.
Basically, USB technology refers to Universal Serial Bus, which is basically a serial bus standard used to interface devices. It's basically a port to which a variety of devices could be connected, regardless of the class of the device in question. It beats its former port predecessors, which would be the serial and parallel ports, in the sense that USB is very standardized, and is quite versatile in accepting incoming connections.
Think of things this way. There was a time when parallel and serial ports dominated the scene. A mouse would work on a serial port while a printer would need a parallel port for them to successfully operate. The port difference would mean that a mouse couldn't be plugged into a parallel port, as a printer couldn't be plugged into a serial port, as a standard. With USB technology, regardless if one were talking about plugging a printer or a mouse, as long as it's USB supported, it doesn't matter. Even USB keyboards could be plugged in.
USB basically means "One port to rule them all!" There are USB keyboards, USB mouse devices, USB gamepads, USB sound cards, USB this, USB that, even not-so-effective USB coffee mug heaters.
Because of its standardized and versatile nature, a number of computer system manufacturers, particularly laptop computer system makers, have decided to do away with the serial and the PS2 ports on their units, replacing them with USB ports, which stand to be actually more multifunctional, ergo more space saving, as space is a concern when laptop architecture is being talked about.
For laptop users, USB keyboards stand to be the option, as most laptops nowadays don't come with the standard PS2 port for desktop keyboards. With USB keyboards, laptop users could use their USB keyboards in case there's a problem with their keyboard, or if they wish to keep it in good condition.
Bottom line, regardless if we're talking about USB keyboards or USB coffee mug heaters, USB technology can easily handle all sorts of items, truly making it "one port to rule them all!"
