Additional USB Ports

I would like to add additional USB ports to my Win 98SE system. I've read about powered, daisey chain, self powered....what's the best way to go with this?

What about those USB ports that you just plug into one existing port to expand? I need to ingest as much info on this as I can stand.

The main thing I need to be straightened out on is powered vs non powered, what's the difference? What would happend if one used a non powered port?

 

USB ports

It all depends on what you want to plug into the USB ports.
Some peripherals have a cabel length limitation - like my EPSON 2000P printer. It does not work with a cable longer than 6 feet even if it is on a powered USB hub.
Also the controler of your USB is very important.
There have been many issues with VIA based m/b's and USB.
To get my EPSON to function reliably I had to disable my onboard USB and buy a BELKIN Quadraport
USB PCI card. Since then I have had no problems with my USB devices which include:
EPSON 2000P printer
SAMSUNG ML-4600 printer
Razer Boomslang mouse
Lexar Digital Card Reader/Writer

Browse over to
http://www.usbman.com
and you will find all the info and links there