my optical mouse has a usb plug, but i've been using a usb to ps/2 converter to make my mouse use the ps/2 port. I'm trying to save system resources, so I was considering switching back to usb so i can free up the ps/2 (irq12) port. Is this a good idea? How does usb work anyway...do they share the same irq or something?

My Microsoft Optical mouse can be used either way. I use USB to save resources and cannot tell any difference in performance between running it under USB or PS2

On a semi-related note... I was just at Radio Shack and found a USB to PS/2 adapter. I have two sets of keyboards and mice connected to a computer. One set is a standard wired PS/2 keyboard and USB mouse, and the other is a wireless PS/2 keyboard and PS/2 mouse in a single unit. I was always having to unplug my PS/2 wired keyboard to use the PS/2 wireless keyboard. And I've never found a USB keyboard that I like as much as my current PS/2. This little adapter from Radio Shack solves the problem. Now, I plug my PS/2 wired keyboard into this adatper and plug the adapter into the USB port. Windows 2000 found the drivers without a hitch. Apparently the adapter comes from the failed (?) Cue:Cat: bar code scanner. Anyway, if any of you have PS/2 problems, you may want to check out this adapter. Cat No 26-241. And it was only $9. Mike

I also bought the Ps/2 to USB convertor from Radioshak. However, my PS/2 mouse doesn't work on the USB port. I don't know what is the reason? Do I need to install any specific driver? If so, where from? Pl. suggest