Which does not require a system reboot when a new device is plugged into it?

Which does not require a system reboot when a new device is plugged into it?

• A. Accelerated graphics port (AGP)
• B. Industry standard architecture (ISA)
• C. Peripheral component interface (PCI)
• D. Universal serial bus (USB)

Answer: (D)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology is designed for hot-swapping, allowing users to connect and disconnect devices without needing to reboot the computer system. This capability greatly enhances convenience and flexibility, as devices such as keyboards, mice, external hard drives, and printers can be added or removed while the system is running. USB devices can be recognized and configured by the operating system in real time, which is a significant advantage over older technologies. In contrast, other interfaces like AGP, ISA, and PCI generally require a system reboot when devices are connected or disconnected. This is because those buses are integrated into the motherboard and do not support the same level of dynamic device management. Hence, when new hardware is installed on those interfaces, a reboot is necessary for the computer to recognize and configure the newly added device.

Universal Serial Bus (USB) technology is designed for hot-swapping, allowing users to connect and disconnect devices without needing to reboot the computer system. This capability greatly enhances convenience and flexibility, as devices such as keyboards, mice, external hard drives, and printers can be added or removed while the system is running. USB devices can be recognized and configured by the operating system in real time, which is a significant advantage over older technologies.

In contrast, other interfaces like AGP, ISA, and PCI generally require a system reboot when devices are connected or disconnected. This is because those buses are integrated into the motherboard and do not support the same level of dynamic device management. Hence, when new hardware is installed on those interfaces, a reboot is necessary for the computer to recognize and configure the newly added device.