USB Ports

Almost every computer built in the last several years will contain one or more USB ports. USB (Universal Serial Bus) is an interface that allows for up to 127 devices to be connected to a computer - even though most computers will not be able to support anywhere near that many devices simultaneously.

Microsoft Windows Installation

A USB Ethernet Adapter is installed by plugging the device into an unused USB port with the computer powered on. A "New Hardward Found" dialog box will pop up, which will require you to insert the CD provided by the manufacturer into your CD-ROM drive. The computer will automatically search for the correct driver and install it. Depending on which version of Windows you are running, the computer may need to be rebooted. At that point, any specialized network settings that are required to connect to your preferred network will have to be added.

Apple Systems Installation

USB Ethernet Adapters are available for the Apple Computer platform, and all that is required for these adapters to be installed is for you to plug it into an unused USB port. Everything from there is automatically taken care of, unless you have any specialized network settings required by your preferred network.

Cost

As of 2009, a USB Ethernet Adapter costs in the $20 to $35 price range. These devices provide the best value, when you consider the cost of adding any other type of Ethernet network adapter to a system. This is especially true when installing a replacement Ethernet adapter in a notebook computer.

Risk Of Physical Damage

The typical USB Ethernet Adapter will protrude from the edge of a computer case, and can be susceptible to being sheared off. While this is less likely when used in a typical desktop computer (due to the stationary nature of these computers), notebook computers are at risk.
USB Ethernet Adapter come in a variety of designs, including ones that have a cable to plug the device into a USB port. As this design is less rigid than the type that are one piece, the likelihood of the cabled devices being sheared off is reduced.