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Showing posts with label USB Drives. Show all posts
Showing posts with label USB Drives. Show all posts

June 27, 2009

USB 3.0 SuperSpeed!!!

We have discussed articles on how to use flashdrives in 98 and how to delete USB drive or USB hardware signature . Now check the below one which makes you smile!!!There needs to be no introduction on the USB 2.0. For years now, it has been the best and convenient way to connect peripherals to our computers.Its like we cant lead a life without the USB Storage devices and others.

USB Types:



These were quite sufficient till date with a max bitrate of 480 Mb/s.

Simple Flash drives - USB Storage Devices





But now at the age of HD Videos and terabyte harddisks, a new USB Successor is a MUST!!!In September 2007, Intel announced it was beginning to define the specifications of USB 3.0 and now at last, the successor is ready. Jan 2009 was the first time, as USB 3.0 device was demonstrated in public. The technology is proven to be ready and is working!!!

Most prominent feature is USB 3.0 is a 10x increase in the potential Data transfer rate i.e., approx 640 MB per sec of data can flow through a cable as compared to 480 Mb/s in USB 2.0. This also means you can copy 25 GB in not more than 60 Sec!!! Most Important thing and best appealing feature is
USB 3.0 is completely backwards compatible!!! This means that all current USB Devices still remain fully functional. Additional features include the data routing and the power saving modes.

USB Supported devices


For USB 3.0, in addition to the normal speed levels, a "SuperSpeed" level is introduced. This is what enables the transfer rate of upto 5Gb/s. The "SuperSpeed" mode operates with the help of 5 additional pins in the connector.




There is also a complex cable structure incorporated for this and the advantage is the support for full-duplex data transfer i.e., it can flow in both directions without reducing speed in any case. keep this in Mind - USB 3.0 Connectors should be BLUE in color to distinguish them from USB 2.0 connectors.


However, it looks externally pretty much the same.

Types of USB 3.0:



The USB 3.0 Type A Connector in the above looks the same and is completely backwards compatible.The type B Connector used for printers and hard drives, has a protusion at the top for new pins of SuperSpeed. The Micro USB Connector designed for digi cams or mobiles is however not compatible with existing setup and need an "Extension" to house them.

Bottomline:
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Users will not face any issues with USB 3.0 as its completely backwards compatible.
Peripherals will be able to run faster, especially hard drives.
New features like increased power draw and robust design.

Availability:- Probably in the early 2010!!!

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May 30, 2009

How to use USB Flashdrives in Windows 98?

We have many advanced OS right now. Windows 7 is on its retail way already or its been out atleast the alpha and beta stages. But still some consumers might still be using Microsoft Windows 98 - the supersuccessful biggie of 90s. This is at the cost of not being able to use USB Flashdrives directly as in editions of XP or Vista.
This article will help you to use the USB flash drives in Windows 98.Its pretty simple and you must be on internet for that!

To use a USB flash drive on Windows 98, you need to install a driver for it first. Browse through the manufacturer’s website to download the Windows 98 driver. Install it and you will be able to use the flash drive on your computer.

Note: Support has officially ended and drivers for newer hardware will not be easily available. There would be problems with driver and software compatibility under Windows 98.

So upgrade your system and the OS!