[techtalk] HARDWARE - Extend Your Computer with a USB Hub

Tue Nov 22 14:49:49 PST 2022

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A USB extender can solve your problem

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HARDWARE - Extend Your Computer with a USB Hub

Intermediate

[USB port]

Have you ever wanted to plug a device into your computer (e.g. a headset, a mouse, a phone) and realized that you didn't have a free port (a slot) for the USB?

I purchased a new laptop recently and started setting it up. I plugged in a wireless mouse in one USB port and then added my headset to the second one. When I wanted to plug in one more device ... there were no more free slots! The new laptop only had two! I need more!

I want to transfer some files stored on a "jump drive" (also known as a "flash drive", "thumb drive", "USB drive" and so on). You know, a small stick-like storage device with a USB plug at the end.)

I have to essentially play musical chairs with my devices, unplugging and plugging in the ones that I am using at that moment as I need three connections, but the laptop only has two. What a pain!

Why did this new laptop only come with two USB ports? It seems that manufacturers are reducing the number of USB (universal serial bus) ports, which are used to connect computers with peripheral (external) devices to make the laptops more compact.

However, this seems contradictory to me as the number of devices we are plugging into our computers and laptops is increasing! For instance, you may use a…

·     Headset
·     Wireless Mouse
·     Microphone
·     Webcam
·     Wireless Keyboard
·     Mobile phone
·     External storage devices like a jump drive
·     Printer
·     Network connection

[USB hub]

And this list doesn't even take into consideration gaming devices!

Thankfully there is a low-cost solution! You can purchase a USB Port Hub. This is a small adapter that expands one USB port into 3-7 more slots.

Think of it like an extension cord that you plug into your computer and it creates more outlet connections. What an easy option!

Which Type Do You Need?

Depending on your situation, you can decide what type of USB port hub to purchase as there are many options. Before we describe them individually, there are three main considerations:

1. Unpowered Hubs vs. Powered Hubs. Both types plug into your computer via one USB port to expand it, but a powered hub needs to be connected to a power source as well.

2. USB 2.0 vs 3.0. These differ based on data transfer speed, backward compatibility and bandwidth.

3. Connections. Consider what you are plugging in and what type of USB port does it need?

Unpowered vs Powered USB Hubs

Unpowered

If you occasionally need an extra USB port or two for devices that don't draw a lot of power, then an unpowered USB port is a good choice. These work well when connecting smaller devices like a wireless mouse, keyboard or jump drive. Unpowered hubs are not for high-voltage devices like printers or scanners.

Basic unpowered USB hub options start at around $12.99, but at about the mid-price point of $25, you'll see more dependable alternatives.

Here are a few options from Staples.com:

[USB port]

Powered USB Hubs

When you need more USB ports on a regular basis or have high-voltage devices (printer/scanner, game controllers, high-end keyboard) that need to be connected to your computer, then you will require a Powered USB Hub.

Or, if you are using an unpowered one and have problems with the connected devices not functioning correctly, it may be time to upgrade.

A Powered USB Hub includes its own transformer (as it is plugged into an electrical source). It provides power to the connected devices so that they do not pull electricity from the computer.

Of course, a powered USB Hub can be more expensive. The options below range in price from about $29 - $49 and up.

[Wenter USB]

Powered USB Hub, Wenter 6-Port USB 3.0 Hub Splitter
[USB port]

Powered USB Hub 3.0/3.1- Sokiwi USB Hub

2.0 vs. 3.0 Types

In addition to power options, you'll notice that both powered and unpowered devices are either 2.0 or 3.0 (or 3.1 / 3.2) models. The basic differences include:

·     Speed - USB 2.0 has a transfer rate of 480 Mbps, vs a USB 3.0 transfer rate of about 4,800 Mbps. This is an important consideration when plugging in devices like an external hard drive for transferring data.

·     Connection Wires - A USB 2.0 has four, while a USB 3.0 has nine. More connection wires increase speed and bandwidth.

·     Backward Compatibility - USB 2.0 are not backward compatible and USB 3.0 ports are. This means that if you plug a USB 2.0 drive into a 3.0 port, it will work (because you are going forward to a newer version). However, if you plug a USB 3.0 drive into a USB 2.0 port, it will be limited to the max speed of USB 2.0 (if it is not backward compatible).

Connection Types

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/a1c27305-e604-41b1-9f34-a5ed055e64e8.png]

Finally, when selecting a USB port extender, you need to look at the connection types of your devices (a mouse, a printer, a phone ... and so on) so that you pick a hub with those ports available.

Extenders may come with one or more types of connections:

·     USB-A - the standard used for mice, and jump drives)

·     USB-B - an older style used for printers and scanners

·     USB-C - a newer option used with mobile devices.

[SD card]

·     SD Card - for removable memory cards

Planning ahead helps you select the right one for the devices you need to connect.

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Communications: Survey Questions

How to get useful information

Have you ever wanted to find out what people really thought so that you could make important decisions?

For instance, you're thinking about opening the library on Sundays. You want to know if they would be willing to work on that day. You don't want to ask them a yes or no question, because you want to understand the strength of their position.

Here's how you find out how they really feel about the idea: Create a survey question where they have to choose one of four answers ... and use the words "how willing."

Example: How WILLING are you to try a new workout routine?

Choices: Not Willing, Somewhat Willing, Willing, Very Willing.

This way, when people respond to the question, you will have a good gauge of how people really feel about the idea.

TIP: Never give them five choices because four makes them take a stand; they can't play the "neutral" card. Also, always start with the most negative choice because studies show you get more accurate results this way.

Do you have to always use the word "willing"? No. The secret is to start with the "How ...." and choose a word you can use in all four choices.

Examples of other words you can use instead of "willing"...

1.  How INTERESTED are you in ...
2.  How SECURE are you in ...
3.  How ABLE are you to ...
4.  How STRONGLY do you feel about ...
5.  How FREQUENTLY do you ...

The list is endless -- you get the picture. Pick any single attribute that you want to measure and give four choices.

[https://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/da1c6ee9-ba35-4af5-9c80-8e1b5781189e.png]

Leadership

Don't Assume. Pass it On!

Have you ever been left in the dark ... communication-wise? How did that feel? Pretty bleak, right? Frustrating, perhaps! Maybe even a little demoralizing (depending on the situation).

Remembering how that feels, do something that helps others not find themselves "in the dark".

How, you ask? By adopting a practice of "passing it on"!

One of the biggest problems with communication in the workplace is "assuming" others know. No matter what it is ... the vision of the organization, the purpose of an upcoming team meeting or the goal of a particular task.

Assuming others already know, and therefore not articulating the information that you know, puts people and projects at risk.

When you have information, think about passing it on. When we share what we know, we empower others. Goals are achieved more easily and more successfully.

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