Most laptop computers only come with two USB ports. Desktops can have around 4 or 6. How many USB ports do you really need in your computer? The answer depends on the number of computer accessories, peripherals and devices that you use and which require a USB connection.
Here are some common computer accessories and peripherals that can be attached to your computer via USB ports.
* Keyboard
Keyboards come in a variety of sizes and layouts. While old keyboards are usually attached to the computer through serial ports, some modern keyboards especially the wireless ones come with USB connectors. USB ports have faster data transfer speeds than serial ports but to the naked eye, changes in keyboard response times are not evident.
* Mouse
Similar to keyboards, old mice like the mechanical ball mice previously required serial ports to work. Now, mice are better attached to a computer system via USB ports. PC gamers will appreciate the smooth movement and quick response times of modern USB-powered optical mice.
* USB Flash Drive
As its name suggests, a USB flash drive requires a USB port to work. USB flash drives are handy storage devices that are very useful for temporary storage of data. USB flash drives are indispensable to the dedicated and hardworking professional who takes his work everywhere he goes. Try to leave at least one USB port on your computer free to handle useful external storage devices like the USB flash drive.
* Printer
Printers were usually attached to the computer via parallel ports but they have now evolved and many support the USB 2.0 technology. As a high traffic computer accessory, printers can greatly benefit if you attached them to your computer using USB cables.
* External HDD
Similar to USB flash drives, external hard disk drives (HDDs) are prized for their portability and large storage capacity. External HDDs act like normal internal HDDs so they can contain more data than USB flash drives. Many external HDDs are capable of storing more than 100GB of data. For file hoarders on the go, an external HDD is a great buddy to have.
* Webcam
Webcams are great computer accessories for chat addicts but not very useful for computer users who seldom socialize on the Net. Perched on top of an LCD monitor, a Webcam can have a great vantage view of the computer user. If you need to have a Webcam, you will have to set aside one USB port for this computer device to work.
Carefully choose which USB devices you need since you cannot connect everything directly to your computer at the same time. If you just cannot make do without your USB gadgets, you can add more USB ports to your computer by using a USB card or a USB hub. USB cards and hubs can provide you with an additional 4 or so USB ports each. A USB card can be attached to an extra PCIe slot on your motherboard. A USB hub is can be used to expand a free USB port.
When running modern USB devices, make sure that your computer supports the USB 2.0 technology. The older USB 1.1 specification only supports data transfer rates from 1.5 Mbps to 12 Mbps. The newer USB 2.0 specification supports USB 1.1 speeds and can move data at its native 480 Mbps speed.