I just noticed that my LCD computer monitors each have 4 downstream USB ports and 1 upstream USB port.

what would these be used for? something specific to the monitor, or just another place to plug in a USB device?

The idea is the upstream port gets plugged into the back of your computer. You then have access to 4 downstream ports for plugging stuff into without additional groveling around the back of your computer.

It's a common way for a monitor manufacturer to package a little extra convenience into their product. Strictly speaking it has nothing to do with the display.

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