PS/2 peripherals

[Tim]

Tim:
>> Windows being unable to cope with you unplugging a PS/2
>> device, replugging it, then you wanting to carry on using it, etc.).

Les Mikesell:
> Normally you can unplug and replug the keyboard/mouse after the boot has 
> completed and windows will still see it.  However since the PS/2 
> connectors aren't spec'd for this there is some chance of blowing up the 
> motherboard when hotplugging.

I'm yet to blow up anything doing that, though I know the risk is there.
I've seen plenty who've physically damaged the pins on PS/2 connectors,
I really hate those mini-DIN connectors.

I've had mixed results with Windows handling a device being unplugged
and replugged.  I haven't had that issue with Linux, at all.

> I've also had some trouble getting windows to recognize a USB 
> keyboard/mouse if it was plugged in for the first time after booting 
> with no keyboard/mouse connected.  I always try to boot with one 
> attached or plug it in to get the drivers installed before I expect to 
> need it.  After it has been recognized once it will work again, even 
> after a reboot.  I don't think linux shares this problem.

Same sort of experience for me, too.  I've had Windows spend two minutes
or more trying to figure out what to do with a newly plugged in USB
mouse or keyboard, and often needing a reboot to be able to actually use
it.  With Linux, I plug it in, and by the time my fingers have made
their way back to the other end of the cable, its ready for use.

-- 
(This box runs FC6, my others run FC4 & FC5, in case that's
 important to the thread.)

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