Every once in a while somebody comes up with a type of technology that’s so useful that it becomes virtually ubiquitous because of the number of gadgets that it shows up in. Universal Serial Bus technology, or USB for short is one of these innovations. USB technology provides a way of connecting various kinds of gadgets that are based on computer technology. It’s widely used to connect these devices to computers and to each other in order to share or transfer files. For example, most (if not all) digital cameras come with USB cables and USB ports that allow them to connect to the USB ports on computers. Once a digital camera is connected, digital photos can be transferred onto the computer’s hard drive and then touched up and emailed to friends or posted on the Internet.

Most MP3 players and portable media devices come either with USB ports themselves or with docking stations that plug into computers via USB ports. This allows these devices to download digital music, digital photos, and video from the computer. Such content can also be uploaded to computers from these gadgets over USB connections.

Another common application for USB technology is connecting computers with their peripheral devices. For example, it’s not unusual to connect a printer or a scanner to a computer using a USB cable. External floppy disk drives, hard disks, and optical disc drives (and burners) can also be connected to computers using USB connections.

One of the fascinating things about USB technology is that it allows the devices that have it to recharge their batteries over the same connection that they update and share data. That means that your iPod can download music and get a fresh charge on its battery at the same time. In fact, there are even devices with USB ports built in that don’t provide any way to transfer data, but are instead just a way to charge up devices while on the go. These typically just plug into a wall outlet on one side and the gadget on the other side.

One of the most common applications of USB technology is building it into a variety of gadgets that store and transport data. These devices are used to back up data and typically come in sizes of 256 megabytes, 512 megabytes, or 1 gigabyte and they’re all small enough to fit on a key chain. They’re often used to bring files home from work to work on at home and to transfer files from one computer to another then the machines aren’t networked together.

These flash memory based storage devices are also commonly built into other gadgets. For example, it’s possible to get a device that can record audio and store data concealed in a pen or a wrist watch. There are also USB keys on the market with various kinds of security features. For example, one has a built in thumb print scanner so that only its owner can access the information stored inside. Another device will store all of your passwords so you don’t have to memorize any of them- except of course for the one that allows you to access the USB key! Entire Linux operating systems are even stored on some USB keys so that you can use your favorite operating system on any computer anywhere.

With all of this versatility, it’s no wonder that USB technology is built into so many different gadgets!

A pioneer in technology reporting, Julia Hall has published articles about the latest Direct TV Deals and other devices and gadgets for over ten years. After graduating from MIT with a degree in electrical engineering, Julia turned down huge salaries from some of the most recognized fortune 500 companies in the world to pursue her dream of becoming a leading consumer advocate. Julia uses his expertise to cut through the too good to be true deals offered by high tech companies to reveal the real steals and the real duds that we’re bombarded with daily. If you enjoy staying on the cutting edge of latest technology as well as Direct TV Specials, whether for business or pleasure, but find yourself occassionaly confused by the overwhelming and convoluted information out there let Julia show you the way.

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