With the release of Windows 98, I've been playing around with USB, or Universal Serial Bus. If you've purchased a new computer in the last year, you will have two flat slots on the back of your PC. Here's the beauty of USB: it allows you to connect up to 127 devices, and you can "hot swap" them, meaning to add and remove devices while your PC is running. As well, the USB cable can power your devices, eliminating those annoying power bricks. I've been playing with three devices: a monitor, joystick and fingerprint scanner. The monitor isn't USB controlled, but acts as a hub, with four USB slots on the back. Here's how that works: I plug the USB cable from the monitor into my PC, and now have four slots on the monitor I can use. USB uses daisy chaining: devices can plug into each other to connect a long chain of items.
I initially had a problem with my ADI MicroScan 6P 19" monitor: Windows 98 detected the USB hub but said it wasn't getting a return signal. A quick call to ADI tech support revealed I had an old USB controller chip in the monitor; it would have to be brought for replacement. Luckily there's a shop in Toronto, so I left it there for a week, and all was repaired. Once at home, the hub was detected and I was able to connect my remaining devices.
To try the "hot swap" feature, I plugged in my Microsoft Sidewinder Precision Pro USB joystick. Windows 98 detected it, and installed the necessary software. I had to download the version 3 of the Sidewinder Software first, but that was stated in the manual. When I unplug it, the item is removed from the System Device Manager.
Finally, I tested the U.are.U Fingerprint Identification System from Digital Persona. This is a nifty desktop device that controls security to your Windows 98 desktop. It comes with software that lets each user have his or her own encrypted files, and in combination with Windows 98 can have a different setup for every user. A practical home use for this would be a family that shares one PC: each person logs in and has their own desktop settings, wallpaper and programs installed. The kids won't accidentally delete that presentation for work you've been toiling at for a month. To set it up I plugged it in and it installed the drivers off the CD. No downloads necessary. If only all devices were this painless to install.
A few caveats about USB: there's a limit of 12Mb / second bandwidth, and some devices will still require power adapters. As you add more and more devices to your USB chain, they'll eat up your bandwidth and slow everything down. Or so the tale of the naysayer's goes. I'm trying to get as many USB devices as possible to test this out, so I'll let you know.
If it's entertainment you crave, go to www.caesar3.com and grab the demo of Sierra's Caesar 3. It highly addictive, so be careful. The full version is now on sale, and even though I've recommended it previously, I have to say it's the best game of 1998!
For those Playstation owners, it's a game buyer's market. Tons of quality titles to choose from, but a few favorites have made their mark. Cool Boarders 3 takes you on a non stop ride of snow boarding, and seems appeal to the younger audience. Crash Bandicoot: Warped is the latest installment and continues this third person adventure series. Everyone who watches TV must know this character by now through the hilarious commercials. This game is definitely a keeper and deserves everyone's attention. I'll be covering the newest NHL games next month, so be on the lookout.
If anyone has any questions on something I've covered, or would like me to review a specific title, let me know at and I'll do my best.
by Scott VanderPloeg
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