Connecting a mouse and keyboard??

MT

I've bought a cheap desktop at last on ebay. It has an OS but doesn't come with a mouse or keyboard. I now want to buy a mouse and keyboard but I don't know if any software is required to ?install? these. Would there be something already on the computer as Windows XP has been preinstalled? Can you get free software for these devices?

Also how do you click on things and get into the software to install a mouse when you haven't got a mouse to begin with?

This all might sound like utter nonsense but as I've posted before I don't know much about computers.

petes

Just plug your mouse and keyboard in and start the computer. WinXP will pick them up. You should be fine. You should have enough spare usb ports on the computer to accommodate a mouse and keyboard also.

Ruu_Old

You shouldn't need any drivers with Windows XP. See picture below on how to attach a PS/2 mouse and keyboard (normally what the rear of the machine shows anyway). Unless you are going to pick up a USB mouse and keyboard.

petes

Ruu wrote:

You shouldn't need any drivers with Windows XP. See picture below on how to attach a PS/2 mouse and keyboard (normally what the rear of the machine shows anyway). Unless you are going to pick up a USB mouse and keyboard.

Colours and an arrow. Very fancy.

MT

That's it. Great. That sounds so simple even I should be able to do it!:)

Ruu wrote:

Unless you are going to pick up a USB mouse and keyboard.

Why? What happens when you're trying to connect USB versions? Do you then need extra software?


Ps. the trully ancient machine I'm using now has a keyboard connection that's bigger than a PS/2, would it be a DIN or something? Is there a way that you can convert these older connections to PS/2 or USB? Like an intermediate connector that coverts PS/2 to USB.

TerrorFirmer

MT wrote:

Ps. the trully ancient machine I'm using now has a keyboard connection that's bigger than a PS/2, would it be a DIN or something? Is there a way that you can convert these older connections to PS/2 or USB? Like an intermediate connector that coverts PS/2 to USB.

Yeah anywhere like Maplins have them, for about a fiver.

Ruu_Old

MT wrote:

That's it. Great. That sounds so simple even I should be able to do it!:)

Why? What happens when you're trying to connect USB versions? Do you then need extra software?


Ps. the trully ancient machine I'm using now has a keyboard connection that's bigger than a PS/2, would it be a DIN or something? Is there a way that you can convert these older connections to PS/2 or USB? Like an intermediate connector that coverts PS/2 to USB.

Nope but sometimes they come with extra software but its not needed to make the mouse or keyboard function. Have you got some USB ports? You should be able to pick up a converter for the older type DIN connector in Peats or Maplin as mentioned.

L31mr0d

heck i've got a wireless USB keyboard and mouse and windows picks both of them up straight away, although the extra functionality comes from installing any driver CDs. They should really retire the PS/2 ports on newer mobos, or at least make an optional header for them like the've done with the serial and parallel ports... I want the back of my PC to just have USB connections

MT

Can anyone post a pic or provide a link to a pic of one of these DIN to USB converters?

Or can you only get converters that change a DIN ?plug? to PS/2?


Ps. what advantage does a USB connected keyboard or mouse have over ones using PS/2?

MT

Does anyone have any views on the advantages if any of USB devices over PS/2?

Lump

I don't think there's much difference in everyday life, for gaming and stuff USB might be more responsive, but if you're just doing day to day stuff Ps2 is fine in my opinion.

John

hopeful

MT wrote:

Can anyone post a pic or provide a link to a pic of one of these DIN to USB converters?

PS2 to DIN adapter


USB to PS2