Support for a faster version of USB in Linux is imminent and will become a permanent part of the Linux landscape when the next version of the operating system is introduced. The upcoming 2.4.19 version of the Linux kernel--the core part of the Unix-like operating system--for the first time will include support for many USB (universal serial bus) 2.0 features and devices. USB lets people easily plug devices such as digital cameras, mice or printers into a computer.
The support, crucial to making Linux fully compatible with the mass of PCs and gadgets on the market, demonstrates the ability of a host of volunteer programmers to keep up with computing trends. Linux, though bankrolled by some companies, remains a cooperative software project. USB 2.0 support is a timely issue; the higher-speed interface is being built into the latest PCs and workstations.