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USB Device FAQs

USB technology offers users the ability to use a multitude of devices connected to a computer for data storage and many other options. More importantly, USB devices are also a new and more reliable alternative to 3.5” disks and CD-ROM’s. How to save to a USB device instructions

1. Can I use my USB device anywhere on campus?
2. Do I need special software to use my USB device?
3. Are all USB devices the same?
4. What happens if my USB device is password protected?
5. Can I print from my USB device?
6. Can I use my USB when using University web applications such as Blackboard, Studentmail, and Turnitin?
7. What if my USB device does not physically fit in the available USB port interface?

1. Can I use my USB device anywhere on campus?

Most standard USB devices will work on all PC and Mac systems which are located in Central Computing Laboratories managed by the University of Newcastle in the following locations:

AIC – Auchmuty Information Common
Auchmuty Library L329
CT Building
Huxley Library
University House UNH1.50


2. Do I need special software to use my USB device?

The majority of USB devices do not require any additional software or drivers to be installed when using either Windows XP or MAC OS X operating systems which are located in the Central Computing Laboratories.

Users should refer to the packaging and product information of their USB device for further clarification if the device is not functioning correctly as no detailed support can be provided for user devices.

Loading of additional software and drivers is not permitted when using Laboratory Computers and no exceptions can be made in any instance.

  


3. Are all USB devices the same?

Each brand and model of USB device can be different.
Typically devices connect using the standard USB 2.0 configuration but older devices may connect with USB 1.0 or USB 1.1. The variation between the configurations relates to speed difference, with USB 1.0 and USB 1.1 being slower technologies.

Users need to be aware that some older computer system hardware may only support the USB 1.0 or USB 1.1 standards.

All PC and Mac systems located in Central Computing Laboratories managed by the University of Newcastle support both USB 2.0 and USB 1.0/USB 1.1 standards.

USB technology offers users the ability to use a multitude of devices connected to a computer for data storage and many other file formats.


4. What happens if my USB device is password protected?

Users may find that their device is inaccessible in this situation. From our investigations, most USB devices with password protection require additional password management software to be installed on the computer. Again, Loading of additional software and drivers is not permitted when using Laboratory Computers and no exceptions can be made in any instance.


5. Can I print from my USB device?

Users can print most documents and files using their USB device. Simply open the file from the USB device in the required application (i.e. MS Word, MS PowerPoint) and select print.

* Opening the file successfully will also depend if the application is installed on the lab computer. *


6. Can I use my USB when using University web applications such as Blackboard, Studentmail, and Turnitin?

USB devices can be used for most applications such as Blackboard, Studentmail, and Turnitin.

7. What if my USB device does not physically fit in the available USB port interface ?

Users can purchase USB extension cables from computer suppliers that should resolve this issue.


For further information regarding USB devices please contact Information Desks.