Hub or Switch for more ports on Laptop?

[Rae_83]

Hello, I have decided to use my HP 360-GB HD; 4-GB Ram Duo-core laptop as my desktop. I put a monitor(F4 key), keyboard, mouse and speakers to it and it is working great so far. I do need several more USB ports for a couple other peripherals, printer and my external. Do I need to buy a hub or a switch to make these other items work with the laptop? Right now I am unplugging my speakers to accomodate the others when I need them. (I actually have not fired up my printer on this laptop as yet. Will use CD to prep it, etc.).

Also, is there any maintenance or special toggles I need to do with the laptop to have it perform it's best? I have the monitor sitting on top of the closed laptop. If I need to restart for any reason, it comes right back up without opening the laptop. When I shut down, about once per week, I do need to physically go into the laptop and power it on. Thanks for all your great help. You guys really do ROCK!

 

[dark_lord69]

For more USB ports, yes you need a USB hub.
To increase performance run a check disk to make sure it's not hanging on bad sectors:
1. double click "my computer"
2. right click C:
3. click properties
4. click the tools tab
5. click check now
6. check both boxes then click start
7. if a message comes up click yes
8. Restart your computer (the test will run automatically as long as you don't cancel it by pressing a button)

Run a defrag:
1. Start
2. Programs (or all programs)
3. Accessories
4. System tools
5. Disk defragmenter
6. click defrag

Plug in your laptop:
- For best performance on a laptop it's important that you keep it plugged it. Often laptops will lower the CPU speed and sometimes the speed of other devices to conserve battery. Keep it plugged in for the best performance.

FYI, if you don't want to open the laptop some computers have the option of "Wake on keyboard" if you turn that on, you can turn your laptop on just by pressing a button on the keyboard. (I used to have that turned on on my desktop so I didn't have to press the power button.)

 

[Rae_83]

Thank you Dark lord. I have always kept this year-old laptop plugged into AC power and never relied on the battery so no problem. It shows that the laptop is scheduled to defrag once each week. Could not locate the 'Wake on Keyboard' option on this laptop. Tried 'Power options on Keyboard' and 'Move power button to keyboard'. Looked the power options over fairly well and it only gives Sleep, Hibernate, Shut-down or Do Nothing. Everything is set at 'Do Nothing'.
I like for it to wake-up when I move the mouse. Thanks for all your help!

I have a 4-port USB Hub from prior, pushed by a fire-wire cord so will put that into play! It's amazing what one finds in the junk drawer! Thanks!

 

[Rae_83]

Best answer selected by Rae_83.

 

[Maziar]

This topic has been closed by Maziar