Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Make Your Firefox Fast

This tricks will improve the speed & load time of firefox. And you will be able to surf faster.

Type about:config in the address bar, Then look for the following entries, and make the corresponding changes.
  1. network.http.max-connections-per-server =32

  2. network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-proxy =16

  3. network.http.max-connections = 64

  4. network.http.max-persistent-connections-per-server = 10

  5. network.http.pipelining = true

  6. network.http.pipelining.maxrequests = 200

  7. network.http.request.max-start-delay = 0

  8. network.http.proxy.pipelining = true

  9. network.http.proxy.version = 1.0


Lastly right-click anywhere and select New- Integer. Name it nglayout.initialpaint.delay and set its value to 0. This value is the amount of time the browser waits before it acts on information it recieves.Enjoy!!

How to troubleshoot the starting problems of Word 2002, Word 2003 and Word 2007?

This tip will help you to recover the default setting in Microsoft Word 2002, 2003 and 2007. Normally most of the options in Microsoft word are saved in the word data registry key. You can edit the word data registry key to troubleshooting the default settings problems. Word basic troubleshooting step is to delete the Word Data registry key. The next time that you start Word, Word rebuilds the Word Data registry key by using the default settings. These setting include the "Display, Proofing, Save and some Advance features options". You can also reset all settings that you customize in the Options dialog box.

In Word 2002 and Word 2003, you can view these options on the Tools menu and then click Options.

In Word 2007, you can view these options, click on Microsoft office Button and then click Word Options.

Follow the given steps to restore the Word default settings:

To edit the data registry key, first you should log onto your computer with administrative rights.

Click Start button and type regedit in Run option then press Enter for next. Here locate the following registry subkey, as appropriate for the version of Word that you are running:

In Word 2002 go to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft \Office\10.0\Word\Data

In Word 2003 go to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Office\11.0\Word\Data

In Word 2007 go to

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\ Office\12.0\Word\Data

Here select the Data folder and delete the all entries from the right side panel. Now reload your computer and run Word to verify the default settings.

How to delete files that are used by other programs in windows XP/Vista?

This tip will help you to delete the files and folders that are being used by another programs and applications, for example a virus affected file. You have tried to delete such kind of files or folders and received the any following messages.

  • Cannot delete file: the file is in use by the other program

  • Cannot delete file: There has been a sharing violation

  • Cannot delete file: The file is in use by another program or user

  • Cannot delete file: Disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not currently in use.

  • Cannot delete file: The source or destination file may be in use

Normally, a windows restart will allow you to delete such files or folders that are being used by other program, but if you want to manage it without restart your computer then simply you need to download a freeware tool called Unlocker.

You can download this tool for any windows version using Unlocker link. Download it and run the easy setup.

After installation, right click on file or folder that you want to delete and select the option Unlocker.

If your requested file or folder is used or locked by other application then a small window listing of lockers will appear.

Here simply click on “Unlock All” button and now you can easily delete this file.

Convert a FAT partition to NTFS

To convert a FAT partition to NTFS, perform the following steps.

Click Start, click Programs, and then click Command Prompt. In Windows XP, click Start, click Run, type cmd and then click OK.

At the command prompt, type CONVERT [driveletter]: /FS:NTFS. Convert.exe will attempt to convert the partition to NTFS.


NOTE:=
Although the chance of corruption or data loss during the conversion from FAT to NTFS is minimal, it is best to perform a full backup of the data on the drive that it is to be converted prior to executing the convert command.

Windows: Start Menu

Values that control various Start menu and Explorer options

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer]:

NoChangesStartMenu 00000001 Disable deleting items from Start Menu
NoClose 00000001 Remove the ShutDown option from the Start Menu
NoCommonGroups 00000001 Common program groups do not appear on the Start menu
NoDesktop 00000001 Hide all desktop icons
NoDrives 00000000 Low order bit is drive A: while the 26th bit is Drive Z: To hide a drive, turn on its bit
NoDriveTypeAutoRun 95,00,00,00 Disable autostart CD-ROM
NoFavoritesMenu 00000001 Hide Favorites on Start Menu
NoFileMenu 00000001 Remove "File" menu in Explorer
NoFind 00000001 Remove the Find command from the Start Menu
NoLogOff 01,00,00,00 Remove logoff from Start Menu
NoNetConnectDisconnect 00000001 Remove Explorer's "Map Network Drive" and "Disconnect Network Drive" menu and right click options
NoNetHood 00000001 Remove the Network Neighborhood icon from desktop
NoRecentDocsMenu 00000001 Hide Recent documents on Start Menu
ClearRecentDocsOnExit 01,00,00,00 Empty My Documents when shutting down Windows
NoRun 00000001 Remove the Run command from the Start menu
NoSaveSettings 00,00,00,00 Save window settings on exit
NoSetActiveDesktop 00000001 Disable Active Desktop
NoSetFolders 00000001 Hide Settings > Control Panel, and Settings > Printers on the Start Menu
NoSetTaskbar 00000001 Hide Settings > Taskbar on the Start Menu: Only Drag/Drop can be used to alter Start Menu and Desktop
NoStartBanner 01,00,00,00 Disable "Click here to start"
NoWindowsUpdate 00000001 Removes Windows update from Start Menu > Settings
RestrictRun 00000001 Only programs defined at [HKCU\Software\Microsoft\...\
Policies\Explorer\RestrictRun] will run

Speed up the Start Menu

[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\ Control Panel\ desktop] Create the string value MenuShowDelay. Set it to a number from 0 (fast) to 10 (slow).


Add programs to the Shell

Available when right-clicking the Start button
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\shell]
Create the key MS-DOS Prompt (or whatever); Default = " DOS Command " (or whatever name you want to appear)Create the subkey command ; Default = " command.com /k cd %1 " (or any other program)


Add an expanding Control Panel to Start menu

This will also work with most special folders.
Under [HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*], find the system ID of the folder you want to add.
Right-click Start button and chose Open.
Create a new folder with the name of the folder followed by a dot and the folder ID.
Example: Control Panel.{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Control Panel:{21EC2020-3AEA-1069-A2DD-08002B30309D}
Printers:{2227A280-3AEA-1069-A2DE-08002B30309D}
Dial Up Net:{992CFFA0-F557-101A-88EC-00DD010CCC48}


How to Edit the Registry
Windows 98, Windows Xp & Windows 2000

To open Registry Editor, click Start, click Run, type Regedit, and then click OK.
NOTE: You should not edit your registry unless it is absolutely necessary. If there is an error in your registry, your computer may not function properly. Incorrectly editing the registry may severely damage your system. Before making changes to the registry, you should back up any valued data on your computer.

Back up the Registry First!!!

Windows 95, Windows 98 & Windows Me:

NOTE: Do not follow these steps to export a whole registry hive (for example, the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive). If
you must back up a whole registry hive, back up the whole registry instead.
Click Start, and then click Run.
In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
Locate and then click the key that contains the value that you want to edit.
On the File menu, click Export.
In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the .reg file, in the File name box, type a file name,
and then click Save.

To Back up the whole registry:
Click Start, then click Run. The Run dialog box appears.
Type regedit and click OK. The Registry Editor opens.
Click the Registry menu and click Export Registry File.
Verify the following items in the Export Registry File dialog box:
Save in: Desktop
File name: Registry Backup
Save as type: Registration Files
Export range: All
Click Save.
Exit the Registry Editor.
Verify that an icon labeled "Registry Backup.reg" is on the desktop.
CAUTION: Do not double-click the "Registry Backup.reg" file on the desktop unless you intend to undo the changes you are making to the registry.
NOTE
: This method for Windows 95/98/Me will not work for Windows NT/2000. Windows NT/2000 has additional security protection that prevents this backup from being restored.

How to back up the Windows 2000 registry

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;EN-US;322755

Windows 2000

NOTE: Do not follow these steps to export a whole registry hive (for example, HKEY_CURRENT_USER). If you must back up whole registry hives, back up the whole registry instead. Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type regedt32, and then click OK. Locate and then click the key that contains the values that you want to edit. On the Registry menu, click Save Key. In the Save inbox, select a location in which to save the .reg file, type a file name in the File name box, and then click Save.
Windows xp Home edition does not include the Backup utility by default. To install it:
Insert your Windows xp cd.
Open up Windows explorer.
Navigate to X:\VALUEADD\MSFT\NTBACKUP\ (replace X with appropriate cd-rom drive letter) Double-click NTBACKUP.MSI and follow the on-screen instructions.

Windows Xp & Windows 2003 Server

NOTE: Do not follow these steps to export a whole registry hive (for example, the HKEY_CURRENT_USER hive). If you must back up whole registry hives, back up the whole registry instead. Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK. Locate and then click the key that contains the value that you want to edit. On the File menu, click Export. In the Save in box, select a location where you want to save the Registration Entries (.reg) file, in the File name box, type a file name, and then click Save.

How to backup the registry in XP

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;Q322756

http://www.puppypc.com/tutorials/reg/backup_xp_reg.htm


Alphabetize your Start Menu

Don't you hate how Windows adds new programs to the end of the start menu? The fix is quick and simple, right click on the menu and select sort by name. Ah isn't that better?


Brand your copy of Windows XP in the Start Menu

Have you used someone's new Hewlett Packard with their OEM version of Windows XP? You've seen that HP has their own icon in the Start Menu, underneath Run, that goes to their Help Site. Now, you can have your icon that does anything you want (website, program, etc) and says anything you want. Basically, you are "branding" Windows XP (Home or Pro), great for if you are a computer builder and sell them, or you just want to make Windows XP your own. It involves Regedit.
NOTE: You should NOT install this over a FACTORY BRAND. (UNLESS YOU EXPORT THE FILE FIRST)
1. Start up Notepad and create a new registry file (*.reg) and copy and paste the following into it:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=
"YOUR TITLE HERE"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\DefaultIcon]
@=
"YOUR ICON HERE"
00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,68,00,70,00,6c,00,69,00,\
6e,00,6b,00,2e,00,69,00,63,00,6f,00,00,00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\InProcServer32]
@=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,00,25,\
00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,73,00,68,00,\
64,00,6f,00,63,00,76,00,77,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,00,00
"ThreadingModel"="Apartment"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance]
"CLSID"="{3f454f0e-42ae-4d7c-8ea3-328250d6e272}"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\Instance\InitPropertyBag]
"CLSID"="{13709620-C279-11CE-A49E-444553540000}"
"method"="ShellExecute"

"Command"="YOUR TITLE HERE"
"Param1"="YOUR FUNCTION HERE"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers]

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\ContextMenuHandlers\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\shellex\MayChangeDefaultMenu]
@=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{2559a1f6-21d7-11d4-bdaf-00c04f60b9f0}\ShellFolder]
"Attributes"=dword:00000000

2. Edit where it says YOUR ICON HERE to a path to an icon (ex. c:\\icon.ico), it must be 24x24 pixels and in .ico format.

3. Edit both places where it says YOUR TITLE HERE to what you want it to say in the
Start Menu (ex. Elranzer Homepage).

4. Edit where it says YOUR FUNCTION here to what you want it to do when you click it, it
can be anything... your website, a local HTML document, a program, a Windows function, whatever your imagination can provide
(ex. http://www.elranzer.com).

5. Save this file as brand.reg, double-click it to enter in your information, and refresh Explorer (log off/on)to see it in the Start Menu!! This works in both Home and Professional.


Disabling New Programs Alert

To get rid of this alert is really easy:
Right click the start bar and click properties.
Go to the start menu tab and click customize.
Click on the advanced tab.
De-select "Highlight newly installed programs"
This is only applicable if you have the new XP start menu not if you are using classic.

Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts

Keyboard Shortcut

Result in Microsoft Word

CTRL and A Selects all in the current document.
CTRL and B Bold text.
CTRL and C Copies the item or text to the Clipboard and can be pasted using CTRL and V.
CTRL and D Displays the Font dialogue box.
CTRL and E Centre Alignment.
CTRL and F Displays the Find dialog box, to search the current document.
CTRL and G Displays the Go to dialog box, to go to a specific location in the current document.
CTRL and H Displays the Replace dialogue box.
CTRL and I Italic text.
CTRL and J Full Justification.
CTRL and K Create Hyperlink
CTRL and L Left Alignment
CTRL and M Tab
CTRL and N Creates a new document.
CTRL and O Displays the Open File dialogue box.
CTRL and P Displays the Print dialog box.
CTRL and R Right Alignment.
CTRL and S Displays the Save dialog box.
CTRL and U Underline text
CTRL and V Pastes the copied item or text from the Clipboard into the current position in the document.
CTRL and X Cuts the item or text selected to the Clipboard.
CTRL and Y Redo the last undone action.
CTRL and Z Undoes the last action.
CTRL and ENTER Insert Page Break.
CTRL and F2 Show Print preview.
CTRL and F4 Closes the active document window.
CTRL and F6 Opens the next document window.


Keyboard Shortcut

Result in Microsoft Word

F1 key Get help or use the Office assistant.
SHIFT and F1 Key Context sensitive help.
F2 Key Move text or image.
SHIFT and F2 Key Copy Text.
F3 Key Insert an autotext entry.
SHIFT and F3 Key Change the case of the selected text.
F4 Key Perform last action again.
SHIFT and F4 Key Perform a Find or Go to action again.
F5 Key Displays the Go to dialogue box, from here you can also Find and Replace.
SHIFT and F5 Key Move to a previous revision.
F6 Key Go to the next frame or pane.
SHIFT and F6 Key Go to the previous frame or pane.
F7 Key Launch the Spell checker.
SHIFT and F7 Key Launch the Thesaurus.
F8 Key Extend the current selection.
SHIFT and F8 Key Shrink the current selection.
F9 Key Update the selected fields.
SHIFT and F9 Key Switch between a field code and its result.
F10 Key Activate the menu bar.
SHIFT and F10 Key Display a Shortcut Menu. Same as right clicking.
F11 Key Go to the next field.
SHIFT and F11 Key Go to the previous field.
F12 Key Save file As, equivalent to tools menu.
SHIFT and F12 Key Save document, equivalent to tools menu.

Tips on buying your mobile

An increasing number of people of all ages own mobile phones, enjoying the convenience, freedom and re-assurance they provide.

There is a range of different handsets and contracts available, providing mobile communication solutions to suit consumers

  1. What's your budget? Before you do anything else, think about why you want a mobile phone and determine your budget. There are numerous types of call plan, to suit various budgets and needs. There are also services available to help you keep track of what you spend consider whether this would help you and check out what options are available.
  2. What are your usage patterns? How often will you be using the phone, at what time of day and what will be your average call length? Will you be using the phone mostly for voice calls, or to SMS friends? Your usage patterns may help determine what type of plan is best for you and your budget.
  3. What types of plan are available? There are four basic types of service agreement: fixed-term contracts, monthly plans, pre-paid or leasing. Pre-paid is ideal if you want to ensure you stay within a specified budget - perfect for teenagers. Getting a pre-paid first is also a good way of finding out what your usage is and helping you decide what type of plan might best suit you. Monthly plans allow you the flexibility of receiving monthly bills without signing a long-term contract. Business users may prefer the convenience of fixed-term, while leasing may suit you if you only need a phone and handset for a short time. New capped' plans (available post or pre-paid, depending on mobile carrier) also offer convenience and value and may suit many users.
  4. What are the call rates within each plan? Call rates vary from plan-to-plan. It's important to assess both the rates and the call charge calculation methods when assessing your options. Issues to consider include: How are call charges calculated? On some plans you will be billed per second, on others, per block of time used (usually per 30 or 60 seconds), or, on the newer capped' deals (post and pre-paid), call caps' apply to many services, providing value and certainty; Is there a flag fall (an amount paid for each connection, in addition to call costs)? Are there any special offers (eg cheaper calls off-peak, or to friends on the same network, or for SMS)?
  5. What features do you need in a handset? A basic handset will allow you to make calls and send and receive SMS. You'll need a more sophisticated one if you want to use the phone abroad, use MMS, voice recording, make video calls, download video or access the internet. Other features to consider are battery capacity (some handsets run longer between charges than others), ease of use, and your coverage requirements (see coverage'). Consider what you really need or you'll be paying for features you never use. If you already have a handset, are you eligible for other plans?
  6. How much flexibility do you need? Consider your need for flexibility - and your budget - before you buy a handset or take out a plan. Are you likely to want the flexibility to upgrade your handset when a new one becomes available? Might you want to change to a different plan in six months? There are many different options for paying for handsets (e.g. up-front, flexi-rent deals, as part of your service agreement), and different plans (whether pre-paid or post-paid) have different terms and conditions for example some include penalties for changing networks, or plans, for example. Read the small print and check you can meet all the minimum conditions of the contract before signing anything.
  7. What coverage do you require? Where will you be using the phone only in metropolitan areas, or in the country? The two dominant types of mobile network are GSM and CDMA. Check with the carriers where they have coverage to ensure they can provide the service where you need it before signing up. Your coverage requirements may also affect your handset choice (there are CDMA and GSM handsets).
  8. Evaluate the options. Once you've worked out what you need/want, do your homework; shop around and compare what is available, and what will best suit your likely usage and budget.

USB 2.0 - Hi-Speed USB - FAQ

What is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 is a complete overhaul to the Universal Serial Bus input/output bus protocol which allows much higher speeds than the older USB 1.1 standard did.

USB 1.1 allowed a maximum transfer rate of 12Mbits/second. That rate is now called 'USB.' Though some manufacturers label their products Full-Speed USB. Note that this seems a bit deceptive. Its easy to mistake Full-Speed for Hi-Speed.

As an aside, USB mice and keyboards need only 1.5Mbits/s to function. That performance level is also named 'USB' by the USB Promoter Group.

To sum it up, USB 2.0 specification incorporates three speeds: Hi-Speed, Full-Speed and Low-Speed. You as a consumer don't need to figure out all the jargons. Just keep in mind that only 'Hi-Speed USB' and 'USB' host and devices exist.

How do I know if my PC has USB 2.0?
You can identify whether your PC has Hi-Speed or not relatively easy. Open Device Manager and expand the Universal Serial Bus section. There should be an "Enhanced" USB host controller present.

Windows 98 systems may use a different name, because Hi-Speed USB drivers in these operating systems are not provided directly from Microsoft (Windows ME, 2000 and XP get their drivers through Windows Update).

These drivers are provided by the manufacturer, and may carry the maker's name (i.e. ADS, Belkin, IOGear, Siig, etc.). There should also be two standard version USB host controllers present as well. They are embedded in the USB chip which routes the differing USB speeds accordingly without user intervention.

There are currently 6 manufacturers of the Hi-Speed USB host silicon themselves:

  • ALi (Acer Labs)

  • Intel

  • NEC

  • SiS

  • VIA

  • nVidia (shows as "Standard" controller

Any other brand name that appears in Device Manager would likely be an add-in Hi-Speed USB PCI card. The makers above do not make add-in cards, but they do make the chips that are used in them.

How do troubleshoot "unknown device" error listed in Device Manager?

  • The USB device or the USB adapter requires its own power source. If your USB device or adapter came with an AC power "brick", try connecting it.

  • Here's a likely one - the front USB ports on your PC case may be misconnected. I've seen them that way from the factory. It's a good idea to check the connections against specifications. The standard order of connection is Red, White, Green, and Black. No more than 4 wires per USB bank are needed.

  • Defective device. Do not assume that all PC components work correctly out of the box. I've seen many new USB devices that do not work. If you can, try the device on another PC.

  • All drivers are not installed. Some devices will require installing the driver package before plugging in the device. Some devices will also require basic USB files from the Windows CD before the unit will function. The general rule is to always follow installation directions precisely and to have the Windows CD ready.

How fast is USB 2.0?
USB 2.0 has a raw data rate at 480Mbps, and it is rated 40 times faster than its predecessor interface, USB 1.1, which tops at 12Mbps. Originally, USB 2.0 was intended to go only as fast as 240Mbps.

How will consumers benefit from USB 2.0?
With speed 40 times more than that of USB 1.1, USB 2.0 broaden the range of external peripherals that can be used on a computer. Even with multiple high-speed peripherals connected to a USB 2.0 bus, the system will less likely to hit the bandwidth bottleneck. The new specification also inherits the current USB's Plug and Play and hot-swapping capability as well as providing backward compatibility for USB 1.1 hardware, allowing existing user base to upgrade seamlessly.

Do USB 2.0 & USB 1.1 hardware work interchangeably?
You may have heard that USB 2.0 is "backward-compatible" with USB 1.0/1.1 (Full-Speed USB). While that's true, USB 1.1 is also forward-compatible with USB 2.0. Whenever a system has USB 2.0 ports, you'll find the "Enhanced" USB controller in Device Manager, but you will also find two other USB controllers. These two to maintain backward compatibility to USB 1.1 devices. Each USB 2.0 host actually has 3 chips onboard. The USB controller routes signals to the correct controller chip depending on how a device is recognized. Where a device is physically plugged in has no bearing on how it is routed. All ports on a USB 2.0 motherboard can host any USB devices at all as long as the system and devices are healthy.

The vast majority of USB 2.0 devices will work on older PCs and Macs. None should flat-out fail unless there are other issues with the system. Hi-Speed USB devices will revert to Full-Speed operation when connected this way. Understand that Hi-Speed is at least ten times faster than Full-Speed in actual operation, so the speed difference is quite noticeable - unless you have never experienced Hi-Speed, of course.

When it comes to USB hub compatibility between USB 2.0 and USB 1.1, here some facts:

  • A powered hub is always preferable to unpowered.

  • USB hub ports are not as capable or flexible as real PC ports so it's best not to expect the world of them.

  • USB 1.1 (obsolete) hubs will work fine on USB 2.0 ports, but they cannot utilize USB 2.0 capabilities. They will default to slower speeds.

  • Hi-Speed and Full/Low-Speed USB devices can coexist nicely on USB 2.0 hubs. Connecting such a hub to a USB 2.0 port is recommended.

  • USB 2.0 hubs can be used on older USB 1.1 computers.

  • Although it is said that you can "cascade" up to 4 hubs, problems may start to arise after two hubs, it's best to minimize hub usage if possible.

  • Many USB devices don't work well on hubs. Cameras, scanners and especially USB drives are known to have problems with hub connectivity.

  • Remember that "active USB extensions" are really just one-port hubs.

Will USB 2.0 replace USB 1.1?
Not entirely, because many products such as generic keyboards, mice, joysticks and audio speakers do not require the faster speed of the new USB 2.0 technologies. Only bandwidth-hungry devices, such as web cams and high-capacity storage systems, will need all the speed. However, next-generation systems will come with USB 2 ports rather than USB 1.1.

How do I distinguish between a USB 2.0 and a USB 1.1 devices? New logos designed by the USB Promoter Group allow consumers to easily identify the new USB 2.0 products. The new colorful logo for USB 2.0 is labeled USB Hi-Speed, and the new logo for USB 1.1 is labeled with USB Basic Speed. However, most people won't miss it as manufacturers often label USB 2.0 READY Or 40 times faster than USB 1.1, on the boxes.

Will USB 1.1 devices run any faster on a USB 2.0 bus?
No. However, the new USB 2.0 archiclecture allows more high-speed USB 1.1 devices, such as web cams, audio devices, to share the bandwidth. Developers need to follow USB 2.0 spec in order to design higher speed peripherals that can take advantage of the extra bandwidth. USB 1.1 devices still operate at 12Mbps at full-speed and 1.5Mbps at low-speed on a USB 2.0 bus. Even though USB 1.1 devices won't run any faster, they can work alongside of USB 2.0 devices on the same bus.

What are USB Hi-Speed and USB Basic Speed logos?
These logos are part of USB Promoter Group's branding program that ensures the quality of USB products. The USB 2.0 certified products would display a blue, white and red logo, bearing the words Certified and Hi-Speed. The classic USB 1.1 certified products would display a black and white logo with the words USB and Certified.

Under a license from USB-IF, products must pass the compliance tests before manufacturers can use one of the two trademarked logos. The Promoter Group will take legal actions on manufacturers that label either logo on their products, which have not passed the tests.

What happen if a USB 2.0 devices are plugged into a USB 1.1 systems?
The entire bus under the USB 1.1 root hub will slow to 12Mbps. The operating system will probably notify the user about the sub-optimal configuration and recommend for a better course of action.

If several USB 1.1 hubs are connected to a USB 2.0 bus, then each of the USB 1.1 hubs will get a full 12Mbps bandwidth.

What is the max? Length of a USB 2.0 cable?
5m. however, if you cascade 5 hubs with 5m USB cables, this will allow you to connect a device 30m away.

What do I need to use a USB 2.0 device?
The requirement is similar to that of USB 1.1, but all components will have to be USB 2.0 compliant. A successful USB 2.0 connection requires a USB 2.0 host controller card, a USB 2.0 driver and a USB 2.0 peripheral.

How much will it cost to upgrade to USB 2.0?
Around $80 to $150. Currently, Orange Micro., Adaptec and IO Gear are shipping USB 2.0 PCI cards, some of which even have FireWire ports. Interestingly, almost all USB 2.0 PCI cards include an internal port, which is probably for connecting internal USB 2.0 IDE enclosure or USB 2.0 front panel.

Will USB 2.0 arrive on mobile computers?
Yes, but not in integrated solution on laptops. You will need a USB 2.0 Card Bus card. Orange Micro. is shipping USB 2.0 compliant 4-port Card Bus card. Eventually, notebook vendors will adapt to USB 2.0 technology, and we will see USB 2.0 ports on laptops. This transition won't happen until 2002 at the earliest.

Which operating systems support USB 2.0?
Microsoft has released the official USB 2.0 driver for Windows XP and Windows 2000. The version is 5.1.2600. The software is available on-line at Windows Update website. (If you don't have a USB 2.0 card installed in your system, Windows Update won't list the USB 2.0 driver as an update.)

The software company is still considering USB 2.0 support for Windows ME, but it already has decided not to bring USB 2.0 to Windows 98 and Windows 98 SE. If you have Windows 98, you will have to rely on 3rd party USB 2.0 support from USB card manufacturer.

Do USB 1.1 cables work with USB 2.0 devices?
Ideally, yes. USB 2.0 architecture uses the same cables and connectors as USB 1.1 compliant products. Unfortunately, only 3 out of 11 cables on the market are certified as USB 1.1 compliant. You may run into the cables that cause problems connecting high-speed peripherals. To avoid negative user experience, most vendors include USB 2.0 compliant cables with their USB 2 PCI cards and peripherals.


What is DSL?

DSL stand for Digital Subscriber Line. DSL provides high speed on already exiting telephone lines and same time you can use internet and as well as your line for phone. In DSL, both ends of connections require the network cards and DSL modems for data communication.

Your DSL connection to the Internet will always on, there is not need to dial your ISP each time to use internet. DSL is much easier to install and provides much faster data transfer rate. Its data transmission speed start from 128 Kbps up to 10 Mbps. DSL connections are more useful in applications like videoconferencing, to run online movies and upload and download heavy files. There are different flavors of DSL like ADSL, R-ADSL, HDSL, SDSL, and VDSL.

The ADSL and HDSL are very common in use, the former being more popular for home usage.