USB Port for my PC

[katielou]

I've got a digital camera but no USB port on my PC so I can't download images. I could get a Flash Path adaptor but these are expensive (60 quid). Where can I get a USB port to attach to my hard drive (cheaply)? and are they easy to fit?

[mattie]

Visit your local component supplier or a computer fair, a reasonable price for a 2 port PCI card, (white slot inside your PC) would be about �8 + vat, or a 4 port PCI card for about �16 + vat.They are easy to fit, just switch off, remove the PC's Case locate a spare PCI slot, remove the blanking plate and insert the card, screw into place. replace case, switch on, the new card should be detected automatically and you will be prompted for the driver CD.

[Mintox]

you can pick up USB PCI card for under 20 quid (PC world, Dixons etc..). Just open the case, pop it in and youre ready to roll!

[j2buttonsw]

Is your digital camera USB 1 or USB 2? USB 1 ports are cheap (see mattie and mintox's answers ) but are very slow in comparison to USB 2. If your digital camera is USB 2, I would advise getting USB 2 since it is 40x faster than USB 1.

[cupra]

NB: Make sure your'e not running Win95 - doesn't support USB (apart from the late USB version which isn't very reliable IMO)!

[j2buttonsw]

Nor Windows NT.

[Felix]

Don't forget to earth yourself when fitting the card to the PCI slot. The easist way is to switch off the power at the wall socket, but leave the pC plugged in, then keep one hand on the metal case of the PC when fitting the card. you might have to use firm pressure, as they can be a tight fit.