Final answer:
Plug and Play hardware allows for automatic configuration of software settings when devices are connected to a computer, ensuring optimal performance and compatibility without the need for manual adjustments.
Step-by-step explanation:
Plug and Play hardware is designed to facilitate the connection of devices to a computer with minimal user intervention. When a Plug and Play device is connected, the computer's operating system identifies the device and automatically configures the software settings to optimize the device's performance and ensure compatibility. This often involves selecting the correct drivers and adjusting settings to match the hardware's capabilities.
For instance, when a digital camera is connected to a computer, the operating system may use pre-installed software such as iPhoto for Mac or the versatile Picasa which is available for both Mac and Windows, to download and organize images. Similarly, the presence of built-in memory card readers in modern computers eliminates the need for external devices and the associated software settings are adjusted to provide seamless access to the files on the memory card.