Hardware overview
Windows 2000 classifies devices by hardware type. Hardware types include such things as display adapter cards, keyboards,
Hardware types are further categorized according to individual devices. For example, the modem hardware type represents over 200 different modems that you can install and use with Windows 2000.
Devices can also be classified according to the way they are connected to your computer. Most devices are permanently connected to your computer and are typically installed only once. They are available every time you turn on your computer unless you disable or uninstall them. Sound cards, video display cards, modems, and hard disks are examples of these types of devices.
Other devices are designed to be connected and disconnected from your computer as you need them. You can plug or insert these types of devices into the appropriate port or expansion slot, and Windows 2000 will recognize the device and configure it without restarting your computer. Likewise, when you disconnect these types of devices, you need to inform Windows 2000 only that you are ejecting, removing, or unplugging it. You do not need to shut down or restart your computer. Examples of these types of devices include:
For a comprehensive list of the devices supported by Windows operating systems, see the Microsoft Windows Hardware Compatibility List at the Microsoft Web site.