The instructions say to turn the computer ON, then connect cables to the base. I'm scared to do this. Can I ruin my computer by doing this?
2007-04-23 16:18:32 · 6 answers · asked by nanlwart 5 in Computers & Internet ➔ Computer Networking
That used to be the case. Things were not built with the software or hardware to allow the PC to recognize or communicate with devices plugged in after booting. However, both software and technology have come a long way. With the release of the Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems "Plug and Play" devices were truly unleashed and we began to see the true intent of the "Plug and Play" initiative. None more evident than in the USB devices. (For a quick view of what Universal Serial Bus connections look like follow this link http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=18076 .)
Your Belkin Flip is an advanced home version of a KVM switch that has been commercially available for a long time. KVM is literally an anagram for Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. (For a quick view of what KVM units look like follow this link http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=203435 . This list includes the Flip product you purchased.)
Think of a room full of servers taking care of your e-mail, processing all of your on-line purchases, running your favorite news blog website, and the other hundreds of things you love doing on the net. To have a keyboard, screen, and mouse for each machine would be a nightmare of cords and screens. Also, in a green sense, such a collection of screens would burn a lot of energy. (Good IT people are tightwads.) The KVM switch fools the machines into thinking they each have their own set of Keyboard, Video, and Mouse. Meanwhile there is only one set and the user chooses which machine he is working on. Upside, one set of peripherals. Downside, only one person can use the peripherals at the machine at a time. (Remote login is a godsend.)
To finally answer your question now that you are a KVM master intimate with the details and knowledge of cheapskate IT ways...
If you have Windows XP or better and a newer computer that can utilize the hotswap keyboard and mouse features, unplugging those and replacing them with the appropriate Flip cords should be fine. Your monitor and sound have always been able to be hotswapped since the beginning of time. If you are still apprehensive about fiddling with your cables while the computer is on, shut it down like normal and change the cables. Many people have restart as the default setting, make sure the shut down radio button is chosen.
2007-04-23 17:01:06 · answer #1 · answered by ZeroBeholder 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Depends upon the port.
PS2 mouse: Turn it off.
PS2 keyboard: Doesn't matter
Serial port: Doesn't matter
Parallel port: Turn it off, especially if connecting a laser printer.
USB port: Doesn't matter, but follow the manufacturer's instructions for the initial installation.
Firewire port: Same as USB port.
Network Port: Doesn't matter
Modem Port: Doesn't matter
Proprietary port: Follow manufacturer's instructions.
2007-04-23 16:28:51 · answer #2 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are some cables that you don't need to turn off... such as USB, speakers, Ethernet, etc... the only one that is really dangerous is the one that goes connected from the computer or laptop to the outlet; the one that powers up the comp. ;-)
2007-04-23 16:23:31 · answer #3 · answered by ale 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Either will signal the computer that the USB feed has been lost. Should not make a difference.
2016-04-01 04:29:35 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
any cables going to the power outlet require you turn off the comp. other than that (data cables, usb, etc) its relatively safe fer ya.
2007-04-23 16:32:04 · answer #5 · answered by Peter G 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If its a USB cable you are safe. They are "Hot-Swappable."
2007-04-23 16:21:40 · answer #6 · answered by dzr0001 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋