Can I use my old keyboard and mouse on a new computer?

Q I recently bought a new PC base unit and monitor to replace an aging PC. But I kept my old keyboard, mouse and monitor in the hope I could continue using them. I managed to connect my old monitor to use as a second display, and that works fine.

However, I realised after that the keyboard and mouse use the old-style PS/2 connectors – but my new PC has only USB connections. Is there any way I can replace the PS/2 plugs on the ends of the cables with USB plugs?

Nathan Chandler

A With the right electronics, technical knowledge and a soldering iron, sure – you could probably replace the existing PS/2 plugs for USB ones. However, such know-how is beyond most people.

But there is a much simpler solution, which is to buy a PS/2-to-USB adapter. Plug a couple of these into a couple of USB ports on the new PC and the old PS/2 devices should work right away. Expect to pay just a few pounds for an adapter.

In the unlikely event your new PC is short on USB sockets, it’s possible to buy double adapters, so two PS/2 devices can be plugged into a single USB socket. Maplin, for example, sells such a PS/2 to USB adapter for £15.