OT: USB 1.1 versus 2.0 - how to upgrade?, is it a software or hardware thing? Options

[nine14cats]

Some hardware hookups say that one of my PC's in the home is a 1.1 USB versus a 2.0. How do I upgrade? Documentation in the hardware (video cameras) seem to infer it's a software thing...but it's cryptic and not clear to me.

Any help appreciated....I'm hoping I don't have to download the latest MS service pack...everytime I do that there seems to a cause and effect that happens with something else on the computer.

Thanks,

Bill P.

[jsteele22]

As mentioned, USB 2.0 is a new hardware standard, not just software. But as with any hardware, you need the right software to drive it. I don't know the Window$ world very well, but obviously if you're running an old version (pre-USB 2.0) you're gonna have to upgrade (apply a service pack) as well as add a PCI card (which are pretty cheap).

First, though, I would make sure you *need* USB 2.0. I'm guessing that by now, the video camera you have actually does, but make sure it says that it transfers data at "High Speed" i.e., 480 Mbps (mega-bits per second). A lot of sleazebag hardware vendors proudly proclaim USB 2.0 capability, when they really mean USB 2.0 running in "Full Speed" (i.e., 10 Mbps which was around in the USB 1.1 era) mode. If you are just talking about a web cam, a lot of those work fine under USB 1.1.

Short Version : buy a USB 2.0 adapter card (plugs in PCI slot) and make sure your version of Windows is updated for USB 2.0 operation. Alternatively, just buy a new-ish computer that came w/ USB 2.0; brand new you can always do okay w/ a $300 box from Dell.