My PC has 2 USB ports. One is connected to my scanner, and the other is connected to a line that I use to download pics from my digital camera. However, my office is switching to a new internet-based platform (I am a medical transcriptionist by trade) that will require use of a USB port to connect to a foot-pedal that needs to be used to retrieve dictation from over the internet.

Since I don't use the digital camera that much at all, can I unplug that line and plug in my office equipment on that USB port and still be able to switch back to the digital camera line whenever I have new pics to download? In other words---will my PC still be able to recognize these two different pieces of equipment even though they are alternately plugged into the same USB port at different times? (is this clear as mud???)

yeah usb should be able to do that as long as you install them both, it can be hot-swapped (no need for reboot)

Thanks. Takes a load off my mind!

You can also get a cheap USB Hub which will split a USB port and provide more ports, then you can have everything plugged in at the same time if you want.

VERY good idea! Should have known there would be adapters for this sort of thing. "Duh" to me! Thanks!