I just got a digital camera, and to download the pics it says to go Start and launch the program for the camera. Then to plug the cord into the 9 pin port and then into the camera. BUT... in my dummies book it says not to plug anything but USB in unless the computer is turned off. Is this just an exception to that rule or something?

Also, can I leave the cable plugged in to the computer all the time, so that when I want to download I can just plug the other end into the camera?