The industry specifications for system bus technologies, together with built-in bus class support in Windows operating systems, create the foundation for Plug and Play and other key user experiences on Windows-based platforms.
In addition, Windows supports device-to-PC connections through device discovery and wireless networking technologies. For devices that implement connectivity technologies, the broad range of Windows support ensures ease of use, reliability, interoperability, and greater security for end users who seek effortless, it-just-works experiences with their devices.
Implementing the Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) architecture has become the most common way to extend PCs for add-on adapters. PCI Express advances low-cost, scalable computing for the next generation of computing platforms. The Windows Rally program provides access to Microsoft technology, streamlined licensing, and technical guidance for hardware manufacturers, software developers, and service providers who want to use a common platform for state-of-the-art network connectivity products and services for customers. | Universal Serial Bus (USB) provides an expandable, hot-pluggable Plug and Play serial interface that ensures a standard, low-cost connection for peripheral devices such as keyboards, mice, joysticks, printers, scanners, storage devices, modems, and video conferencing cameras. Microsoft is working on a range of wireless technologies to enable a robust set of user scenarios for personal area networks (PANs). |
