Title: Module 7 Discussion: USBs
Course: CGS 1560 Microcomputer Operating Systems > Section: Module 7 - Input/Output Devices

Device drivers are one of the most important aspects of operating systems because they are the bridge between hardware devices that make the computer useful and the operating system. There are numerous devices currently available that can be interfaced with any computer. Some of the devices are performing multiple functions like an all-in-one printer that is also cable of mass storage. We have slowly phased out some categories of “ports” that peripherals use to connect to communicate with the computer. Devices that once used serial or parallel ports now use the Universal Serial Bus (USB) ports.

Problems with device drivers have always plagued the manufacturers of hardware, software and operating systems. When any of these components were updated there was generally a high probability that they affected at least one other component. If you stop and think of all of the different manufacturers of printers with all of the models that they produce, you will have a sense of the potential problem involved in making all of these devices work. Considering all of the distributions of the Linux operating system available how should the printer manufacturers approach ensuring they work with every distribution?

USB was created with the goal of simplifying the connection of external devices. Almost 20 years since its inception, USB has seen four stages of development, USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0 and 3.0. With five different connectors available you have to know which version of USB you are dealing with to ensure that you have the proper connectors. USB allows you to connect up to 127 devices to a computer. According to the USB Implementers Forum (USB-IF) there are, “more than 2 billion legacy wired USB connections in the world today…”

The latest development has been Wireless USB (WUSB) 1.1 which was recently approved on September 29, 2010. WUSB is not to be confused with a wireless mouse and keyboard that operate at 2.4 GHz. In the case of the current wireless keyboard or mouse, the device communicates with a dongle or adapter which in turn communicates with the USB port. WUSB operates in the Ultra-Wideband frequency range of 3.1 to 10.6 GHz. In other words, it not only eliminates the cables, it also eliminates the need for ports at USB 2.0 speeds.

For your discussion, give your opinion on whether WUSB will make driver communication and control more or less difficult. As more WUSB devices become available, are you more likely to use them or do you prefer the faster wired USB 3.0 devices? Have you had a USB driver related problem before? If so, briefly describe the problem and how your resolved it. If not, what do you relate your success to?

Once everyone has completed the discussion question go back and read your classmates' posts. Respond to two of them with at least one complete paragraph, relating to your thoughts about their postings.

Use the information in the rubric as a guide toward successful completion of this module's discussion.