External Storage Devices
How to install external storage devices
Though internal hard drives are the most popular form of mass storage device for PC’s, they are certainly not the only form. Early in the computers history, storage devices (disk drives, tape drives, floppy drives or even paper punch card readers) were external storage devices so the expensive peripherals could be easily shared among computers, replaced when broken or upgraded when new technology created better alternatives.
These advantages still exist today with modern external storage devices, but new peripheral connection technologies such as USB and fire wire make adding them to your PC easier than ever before.
In this part we will tell how to install USB 2.0. USB 2.0 is the most popular connection method now used with external storage devices, including keychain drives, CD/DVD drives, and external hard drives, Because it is also easiest to use.
Make sure that you have an available working USB 2.0 port. If you don’t have ports then use a USB port hub to use. Locate your device drivers for your device and operating system, if necessary. Most USB mass storage devices do not require drivers for windows me and newer operating systems for basic use. Though some advanced options or device specific tools might.
With your computer and external storage devices powered on, plug the device into an available USB port. Latest windows versions recognize USB devices automatically and typically will install built in drivers. To remove the device, click safely remove hardware icon in the taskbar. In the safely remove hardware window select the device and click stop.
Now we will describe how to install the fire wire devices. Devices connecting via fire wire usually communicate at about same speed as USB 2.0 unlike USB devices, fire wire devices can be daisy chained.
Make sure you have a working fire wire port. If you are out of port you can plug the newest fire wire into the second port of fire wire device already plug in. locate your device drivers for your device and operating system. Most fire wire devices do not require drivers for windows me and windows XP or newer. With your computer and external device powered on, plug the device into available fire wire port. Windows newer versions automatically recognize the fire wire devices. Once you install the device and windows recognize it, you can install any extra tools you downloaded from the device manufacturer’s website.