Using USB makes setup a lot simpler. All you have to do is connect the peripheral device to the computer s USB port with a USB cable. The software takes care of the rest. It recognizes that a new device has been connected to the USB port and loads the appropriate driver. If the driver isn t installed, it prompts the user to insert a disk containing the driver.
Devices connect to the USB port either directly or through a hub.
Most newer PCs have two USB connectors. Also note that a USB port can supply a limited amount of power to peripheral devices. Because it s easy to connect and disconnect devices, USB data acquisition technology is a natural for applications that require frequent setup and teardown, such as in field service. It could also be used successfully in development-test situations that require frequent configuration changes. One of the drawbacks of using USB peripherals is that you may need to buy a new computer.