Plug and Play(PnP)

Multimedia

Plug and Play(PnP)

Plug and Play technology makes it easy to share computer equipment between computers. A technology called Universal Serial Bus (USB), allows you to easily use additional hardware with your computer, and share it with others. Just plug it in and your computer does all the work of configuring it for use with the computer.

Plug-and-Play, or PnP, is a specification built into newer systems so that you can install devices built for it with minimal hassle. All of the settings, like IRQ's and drivers, are taken care of so that, theoretically, you can have your new hardware working for you in a couple minutes.

In an ideal world, when you plug in a PnP device, Windows 95 will detect the new hardware, adjust the settings, and install the drivers. Many call it "Plug and Pray", though, because it is rather moody, but the technology has improved greatly, and most installations are hassle free.

What you need for PnP?

Not all systems can handle PnP. You must have a PnP operating system, such as Windows 95/98. Previous versions of Windows can't do it. Your hardware must be rated for PnP. This means that the system bus must be capable of PnP. The PCI bus was designed with this in mind, and most boards have the ISA slots PnP capable as well by linking them to the same circuitry. You need 32-bit drivers for the device...not to worry though...they come with it. Your peripherals must be PnP compliments, meaning they must be able to accept the settings given to it by the OS as well as have the ability to identify itself to the OS when asked. And lastly, your BIOS must be compliant with PnP.

All of these are easy to get, except BIOS. If your system does not already have PnP BIOS, you will need to replace your BIOS, or just upgrade to a new motherboard. All newer computers, say 1995 or later, have PnP BIOS in there already.