Adding Additional USB Ports to a Computer

Nowadays, just about every device we hook into a computer uses the USB port to connect with one another. The problem arises when a user has too many devices and not enough ports to keep everything plugged in at once. Adding additional USB ports to a computer is an easy way to alleviate that problem and allow the use of multiple devices at one time.

In general, computers come with two to four USB ports in the back of the tower unit. Newer models, in the last year and a half, have come with media bay expansions in the front of the unit that allow an additional one to four connections. If your computer only came with ones in the back, you may want to invest in additional USB ports to make it more convenient to hook up your iPod, digital camera or cell phone.

There are two primary ways to add additional USB ports. For advanced computer users, changing the case your tower came in to allow for the installation of an expansion bay for media may be right up your alley. You would have to purchase a new case, make sure your motherboard is capable of being hooked up to a built-in USB port as well as ensuring you are able to do the work yourself. Otherwise, you may want to bring your computer to a professional.

For less advanced users, buying a USB hub that connects into an existing USB port is the simplest way to connect more devices. Once you purchase a USB hub, which comes with two to eight ports, in general, you hook other devices into it to connect them to your computer. The USB hub can be inexpensive, and it can work wonders without having to spend the money or take the time to change the set-up of your entire tower to connect all your devices at one time.

Adding additional USB ports to your computer does not have to be hard. Figure out how many ports you need along with how you want to go about it for your particular set-up, and then spend the money to do it. Being able to connect multiple devices is key nowadays when so many different types of devices can be synched with a computer.