USB Tips #3



*1.   PC-TV CONVERGENCE WITH USB             
    
According to Peracom Networks (www.peracom.com), you don't have 
to wait until the next century for PC-TV convergence. Starting 
this March, Peracom will offer a line of products collectively 
called HomeConnex. HomeConnex is a network that links your TV 
and PC through USB connections. Once networked, you can control 
your PC, VCR, stereo, DVD player and more, all through a menu 
visible on your TV screen. Peracom says that most HomeConnex 
setups will cost between $200 and $400. 
           

*2.   USB VISUAL AIDS             
    
Need some help identifying USB cables and ports? Point your 
browser to the Understanding USB section of the Planet Hardware
Web site, at  http://www.planethardware.com/uusb.shtml 

You'll find pictures of a USB connector and a USB port. You'll 
also find an overview of USB technology and links to related 
Web sites. 
           

*3.   KEEP YOUR WINDOWS CD-ROM HANDY             
    
With new USB devices, you may or may not need to install device 
drivers from a manufacturer's CD-ROM. But often, you will need 
the Windows installation disk. Many USB products still require 
Windows to load a new driver. Thus, make sure your Windows CD is 
part of your upgrade kit. 
           

*4.   GOING RETAIL?             
    
The PC made inroads into replacing the traditional cash register 
in some retail stores. Now USB products may help that effort. 
P.O.S. (Point of Sale) Direct has announced a USB bar code and 
magnetic strip readers that are compatible with the iMac and the 
PC. The USB readers should be shipping by the time you read this. 
           

*5.    MORE NEWS             
    
Because USB is still so new, there's no "one source" for all the 
related product and echnology news. One newcomer is a site 
called All USB, at 

http://www.allusb.com 

Point your browser to All USB for the latest USB technology and 
product news and announcements. 
           

*6.   CHECK FOR NEW USB DRIVERS             
    
If you're having a problem with your new USB product, or you 
can't get it running at all, check back with the manufacturer. 
It's possible they have new USB drivers for your product. For 
example, Alps Electric, at 

http://www.alpsusa.com 

recently posted new USB drivers for the USB models of its MD 
series color printers. 
           

*7.   USB SECURITY             
    
What will they think of next? Rainbow Technologies, at 

http://www.rainbow.com 

has announced its new iKey product for PC security. The iKey is 
a small keyring-sized identification plug that users can plug 
directly into a PC's USB port. The iKey can take the place of 
passwords and be used just like SmartCards and magnetic 
strip badges. 
           

*8.   DON'T ASSUME A USB PRODUCT IS DESIGNED FOR YOUR PLATFORM             
    
With the success of the iMac, USB product shoppers are as likely 
to be using the iMac platform as the PC platform. When you pick 
a USB product off the shelf at your local computer store, 
carefully check its compatibility by reading the box's system 
requirements. Some USB products run on both platforms, but most 
work with only one. 
           

*9.   NEW MODEM TECHNOLOGY GOES USB             
    
After years of waiting, DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) modems are 
becoming a reality. Now, Efficient Networks, at 

http://www.efficient.com 

offers a USB version called the SpeedStream 4020. However, 
before you buy any DSL modem, check with your phone company. 
High-speed DSL modems are not supported everywhere. 
           

*10.   CAPTURE YOUR VIDEO             
    
Xirlink, at      http://www.c-itnow.com 

offers a high-quality USB PC video camera called the C-it XVP710.
With the C-it, you can record your own video clips and stills and
send them over e-mail. Best of all, you can do it all without a 
video capture card. Because of the USB interface, you can just 
plug in the camera and start using it.
