New k/board has an USB plug

I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm. I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason

"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason




Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not have USB
keyboard support in the bios

"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

"Search for files"? You mean like using FindFiles & Folders, or is this
something that happens when you plug in the USB device?

Referring to the below, what size is the "circular" connector on the old
board? If it's ~1/4 inch in diameter, it's a PS/2. If it's more like 3/4
inch in diameter, at's a AT port. Either way, you can get an adapter at your
local computer store that lets you plug the USB keyboard into the same port
you're using now. That would avoid the question altogether. (In the case of
an AT connector, you might have to go online to find one. Reminds me that I
only have one. Better find another, just in case.)

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

You mean you haven't tried it yet? Go ahead, try it.

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.

A coffee cup warmer is a stupid use for a USB jack, but I guess you already
learned about that one. Anything that is *powered* by the USB port and
requires more than a modicum of juice puts a fair amount of stress on the
internal circuitry. Unless you're using a laptop that's running on
batteries, you are already right next to some source of standard power (110
in the US, 220 in Europe.) Said sources of power are what you use for things
like coffee cup warmers, battery chargers, etc.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

"philo" wrote in message
...

"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port
specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason




Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not have USB
keyboard support in the bios

Yes, I switched off the PC, unplugged the old KB, and selected the LHS USB
port to plug in the new KB. Windows then prompted me 3 times to select
various files, then it was all systems go.
Thanx for your assistance. I'm not very good at PCs, and I was worried I
would blow something up :-)
Jason

Yes. If desired, you can also get a USB to ps/2 adapter and use the
circular socket.

--
Regards

Ron Badour
MS MVP 1997 - 2008


"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason

"Gary S. Terhune" none wrote in message
...
"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

"Search for files"? You mean like using FindFiles & Folders, or is this
something that happens when you plug in the USB device?

Apart from the stupid coffee cup, had no other exp with USBs Before doing
anything I did a search using "USB" This gave me an indication the PC did
have some circuitry devoted to USB.


Referring to the below, what size is the "circular" connector on the old
board? If it's ~1/4 inch in diameter, it's a PS/2. If it's more like 3/4
inch in diameter, at's a AT port. Either way, you can get an adapter at
your
local computer store that lets you plug the USB keyboard into the same
port
you're using now. That would avoid the question altogether. (In the case
of
an AT connector, you might have to go online to find one. Reminds me that
I
only have one. Better find another, just in case.)

Yeah, the old KB had the 1/4" plug.

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

You mean you haven't tried it yet? Go ahead, try it.

I did as you directed, and after 3 different screens while it found some
files to use, it finally said "finished" and all is hunky dory!

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port
specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.

A coffee cup warmer is a stupid use for a USB jack, but I guess you
already
learned about that one. Anything that is *powered* by the USB port and
requires more than a modicum of juice puts a fair amount of stress on the
internal circuitry. Unless you're using a laptop that's running on
batteries, you are already right next to some source of standard power
(110
in the US, 220 in Europe.) Said sources of power are what you use for
things
like coffee cup warmers, battery chargers, etc.

Yep I understand. Thank you for your assistance,....Jason

"Jason James" wrote in message
...

"philo" wrote in message
...

"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when
I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port
specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason




Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not have
USB
keyboard support in the bios

Yes, I switched off the PC, unplugged the old KB, and selected the LHS USB
port to plug in the new KB. Windows then prompted me 3 times to select
various files, then it was all systems go.
Thanx for your assistance. I'm not very good at PCs, and I was worried I
would blow something up :-)
Jason




Glad it worked for you!

With a machine as old as yours, you're right. No USB printer for you --
unless you were to bother to install a USB2 card. But for mouses and
keyboards there are USB to AT or PS/2 connectors converters readily
available. Heck, lots of USB keyboards and mouses come with a PS/2 converter
included.

But if you want to thump your chest about being a Luddite, go right ahead.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

wrote in message
...
On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:47:25 +1000, "Jason James" wrote:


"philo" wrote in message
. ..

"Jason James" wrote in message
...
I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources atm.
I've
finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of USB
files
after doing a "search for files".

My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's circular
socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?

I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it when
I
found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port
specs
list) the CCup was 800ma.
Thanx for any clues,....Jason




Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not have
USB
keyboard support in the bios

Yes, I switched off the PC, unplugged the old KB, and selected the LHS USB
port to plug in the new KB. Windows then prompted me 3 times to select
various files, then it was all systems go.
Thanx for your assistance. I'm not very good at PCs, and I was worried I
would blow something up :-)
Jason


You wont blow anything up, but if you want to use raw dos, you will
NOT have a working keyboard. I got a usb mouse and since I use dos, I
could not have mouse support in dos. I went back to a serial mouse
and dumped that usb piece of crap on someone that only uses XP.
Seems they make everything for USB these days. I really dont
understand why. No USB mice, keyboards, printers for me.

Why would anyone abuse their power supply with a coffee warmer. You
do have an AC outlet on the wall, right? I wonder how much that thing
slowed down your computer? Just because someone makes stuff like that
does not mean it's practical or safe. I got a USB light as a gift.
It's pretty much useless. It has only one blue-white LED, so I am not
worried about power use, but I have yet to find a need for it.

If you want to thump your chest about being a sheeple continue on...

What's wrong, all the young XP and Vista users run you guys out of those
forums or what...

--
MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
--
_________

"Gary S. Terhune" none wrote in message
...
| With a machine as old as yours, you're right. No USB printer for you --
| unless you were to bother to install a USB2 card. But for mouses and
| keyboards there are USB to AT or PS/2 connectors converters readily
| available. Heck, lots of USB keyboards and mouses come with a PS/2
converter
| included.
|
| But if you want to thump your chest about being a Luddite, go right ahead.
|
| --
| Gary S. Terhune
| MS-MVP Shell/User
| http://grystmill.com
|
| wrote in message
| ...
| On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:47:25 +1000, "Jason James" wrote:
|
|
| "philo" wrote in message
| . ..
|
| "Jason James" wrote in message
| ...
| I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources
atm.
| I've
| finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
| There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of
USB
| files
| after doing a "search for files".
|
| My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's
circular
| socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?
|
| I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it
when
| I
| found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the port
| specs
| list) the CCup was 800ma.
| Thanx for any clues,....Jason
|
|
|
|
| Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
| It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
| However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not have
| USB
| keyboard support in the bios
|
| Yes, I switched off the PC, unplugged the old KB, and selected the LHS
USB
| port to plug in the new KB. Windows then prompted me 3 times to select
| various files, then it was all systems go.
| Thanx for your assistance. I'm not very good at PCs, and I was worried I
| would blow something up :-)
| Jason
|
|
| You wont blow anything up, but if you want to use raw dos, you will
| NOT have a working keyboard. I got a usb mouse and since I use dos, I
| could not have mouse support in dos. I went back to a serial mouse
| and dumped that usb piece of crap on someone that only uses XP.
| Seems they make everything for USB these days. I really dont
| understand why. No USB mice, keyboards, printers for me.
|
| Why would anyone abuse their power supply with a coffee warmer. You
| do have an AC outlet on the wall, right? I wonder how much that thing
| slowed down your computer? Just because someone makes stuff like that
| does not mean it's practical or safe. I got a USB light as a gift.
| It's pretty much useless. It has only one blue-white LED, so I am not
| worried about power use, but I have yet to find a need for it.
|
|

Go diagnose a BSOD, Luddite. Though in your case, you probably belong with
9x. You apparently don't actually use your computers for anything but
useless "testing" and posting to the Usenet, maybe some plain text internet
surfing. 98's good enough for that.

--
Gary S. Terhune
MS-MVP Shell/User
http://grystmill.com

"MEB" meb@not wrote in message
...
If you want to thump your chest about being a sheeple continue on...

What's wrong, all the young XP and Vista users run you guys out of those
forums or what...

--
MEB http://peoplescounsel.orgfree.com
--
_________

"Gary S. Terhune" none wrote in message
...
| With a machine as old as yours, you're right. No USB printer for you --
| unless you were to bother to install a USB2 card. But for mouses and
| keyboards there are USB to AT or PS/2 connectors converters readily
| available. Heck, lots of USB keyboards and mouses come with a PS/2
converter
| included.
|
| But if you want to thump your chest about being a Luddite, go right
ahead.
|
| --
| Gary S. Terhune
| MS-MVP Shell/User
| http://grystmill.com
|
| wrote in message
| ...
| On Mon, 9 Jun 2008 10:47:25 +1000, "Jason James" wrote:
|
|
| "philo" wrote in message
| . ..
|
| "Jason James" wrote in message
| ...
| I've had my win98se PC since 1999. Its running 85% free resources
atm.
| I've
| finally had to buy another k/board which has a USB plug only.
| There is a USB port on the rear of the PC and mention of a heap of
USB
| files
| after doing a "search for files".
|
| My question is: can I simply remove the existing KB from it's
circular
| socket and plug in the new KB to the single USB?
|
| I did plug in a coffee-cup warmer to the USB once, but removed it
when
| I
| found it could only supply 500ma (found this info in one of the
port
| specs
| list) the CCup was 800ma.
| Thanx for any clues,....Jason
|
|
|
|
| Win98 should be able to detect and install your USB keyboard.
| It will not draw too much current, so you should be OK...
| However I'd advise you to use a PS/2 keyboard as you *might* not
have
| USB
| keyboard support in the bios
|
| Yes, I switched off the PC, unplugged the old KB, and selected the LHS
USB
| port to plug in the new KB. Windows then prompted me 3 times to select
| various files, then it was all systems go.
| Thanx for your assistance. I'm not very good at PCs, and I was worried
I
| would blow something up :-)
| Jason
|
|
| You wont blow anything up, but if you want to use raw dos, you will
| NOT have a working keyboard. I got a usb mouse and since I use dos, I
| could not have mouse support in dos. I went back to a serial mouse
| and dumped that usb piece of crap on someone that only uses XP.
| Seems they make everything for USB these days. I really dont
| understand why. No USB mice, keyboards, printers for me.
|
| Why would anyone abuse their power supply with a coffee warmer. You
| do have an AC outlet on the wall, right? I wonder how much that thing
| slowed down your computer? Just because someone makes stuff like that
| does not mean it's practical or safe. I got a USB light as a gift.
| It's pretty much useless. It has only one blue-white LED, so I am not
| worried about power use, but I have yet to find a need for it.
|
|