Hub USB is practical for todays’ electronic devices, and makes ports conveniently accessible. They are also very surprisingly affordable at a price range between $14.00 and $62.00. This device makes it possible to turn a single port into 4 to 7 ports. This allows for more devices to be connected to the host system.

A Hub for USB can extend your network to up to 127 individual ports. Most ports that are already on your desktop are located at the back of the computer. With a USB Hub, one can connect to the port in the back of the computer, and extend up to 7 ports to the front or side of the computer. This will allow for the attaching of peripheral devices like printers, faxes, and scanners to be supported by the same network.

There are primarily two types of hubs. There is the self-powered hub that derives its power from a wall outlet. These will usually provide up to 500 milliamps at each port. Then there is the bus-powered hubs. These plug in to the computers’ USB bus and obtain all their power from the bus. These ports have to split the total 500 milliamps among the ports.

The self powered hub can connect to digital cameras, card readers, keyboards, mice, MP3′s, and memory sticks. The major consideration in the purchase of a Hub USB, is whether it is 1.1 or 2.0 compatible. The 1.1 compatible are capable of transferring data at speeds up to 12 megabits per second.

The 2.0 compatible have the ability to transfer data at speeds up to 480 megabits per second. The 2.0 is also backwards compatible. This means that they have the ability to read and translate the 1.1. While they can read and transmit 1.1 data, they cannot make their speeds any faster. The 1.1 has the 12 megabit capability, and with the 2.0 it retains that 12 megabit capacity.

Hub USB’s typically come in 4 and 7 port abilities. They all perform pretty much the same task. It just depends on how many external devices one needs to hook up.

When a device does not work as it is intended, there may be an issue with your system. The annoying part about maintaining computers is finding the source of the problem. After searching for possible solutions, you come across a topic: “USB hubs not working.” This is a common problem that every computer troubleshooting specialist undercover when fixing PCs. But you do not need to be a seasoned expert. Here are a few reasons why and ways to fix USB hub problems.

- Drivers: Device drivers of a video card, audio card, and other PCI, AGP, especially USB devices are known for causing system instability. To find the issue, go to the Start Menu, right click on the “My Computer” icon and select “Properties”. Click on the “Hardware” tab and you will find “Device Manager.” You will find “Problem Devices” with items marked by a yellow question mark. Reinstalling or upgrading drivers usually fixes this problem.

- Faulty devices and cords: If a driver fails to correct the issue, bad USB plugs, whether an older generation such as USB 1.1, or a USB plug with bad wiring can cause problems with certain USB hubs. If the cord is replaceable, find a new one with a “USB 2.0 certified” label. Also when using a USB device, be sure to find the label to avoid problems in the future.

- Motherboard: If the motherboard has built in USB ports, refreshing the CMOS battery and upgrading the BIOS is another method, but are intended for advanced users. It requires opening the computer and handling parts sensitive to static electricity. Be sure to back up any important information from the hard disk and the BIOS settings, and unplug everything from the PC and ground yourself first before doing this.

Find and remove the screws from the backside of the PC and slide it open, depending on the type of case. The battery is a medium-sized button cell battery and is normally located around the CPU area of the motherboard. Remove the battery for 10 seconds and insert it back into the compartment. Close up the PC, reconnect the power and reboot. If you saved the BIOS settings, you can import them to restore your original settings.

- BIOS: If the motherboard’s USB hubs are still not working or prefer not to go inside the PC, upgrading the BIOS is a safer solution. The same backup precautions apply as above. This is also an advanced method and must be handled carefully. Find the vendor of the motherboard from the PC manufacturer, or visit the company’s website if you custom built your computer, and download the latest BIOS firmware. Follow the instructions carefully to update the BIOS. After the upgrade process is complete, import your original BIOS settings and reboot your system.

If the USB hubs are still not in working order, you may need to replace the motherboard completely. Also purchasing an internal PCI USB Hub is an option if you would like to keep your current motherboard when other problems are not present.

Those who handle a large business or have a large family may need a USB hub. USB hubs come with multiple ports allowing users to connect a variety of devices to their computer. The USB hub connects to the computer through a USB cable, Wi-Fi connection or Bluetooth connection. However, it can be confusing to find the right kind of USB hub. That is when users should consider a USB hub review.

A USB hub review allows users to find out information on a particular USB hub. Finding out such information will help them in making a sound decision. A review allows them to compare the brand name, the features, the pros and cons and the price. It also allows them to find out what other users thank of the USB hub. They can find such a review in two ways: online and in person.

Thanks to technology, users have the ability to read reviews on websites. This is a new way to comparison shop the various USB hubs. Websites such as E-Opinions, Amazon and Overstock allow users to read reviews written by other users. Also, users have the option to post their own reviews once they purchase and use the USB hub. Reading a USB hub review online helps users make a sound choice about which USB hub to use.

The second way of getting a USB hub review is in person. This means that the user should ask their friends and families about which USB hubs they use. Other good sources of information include students, colleagues and neighbors. Having a variety of information may seem confusing, but it could bring a common consensus on which USB hub is the best. Plus, it offers a real time review rather than an online review.

To benefit from finding the ideal USB hub, users can use both online and in person reviews. This helps them to match the different brands based on their features and prices. Sound research leads to finding the right product for the right needs.