I'm very new to using Arduino and have recently been reading about a few people actually breaking their computers while using a Uno plugged into a USB port. This is basically my setup, though I've got my Uno plugged into a USB port on my keyboard.
I obviously don't want to break my computer and really don't want to take any chances so I was curious what I should do to prevent this from possibly happening? I've heard that getting a powered USB Hub is the best thing, is this true?
I'm sure there are many more people who have not damaged their computer with their UNO!
However, using a powered USB Hub would not hurt ...
I'd just assume spending around $20 on a USB hub is a lot more ideal then taking the chance on breaking an over $1000 computer ahaha
Again, it won't hurt.
Keep the controllerconnected to the Pc only when it is used, not all the time. A short, or overload of the controller 5 volt pin is likely affecting the Pc in a bad way.
Mistakes due to unintentional bad connections are rather common.
Using a low cost hub, as already suggested handles the powering matters.
Unintentional mistakes regarding Tx and Rx are also possible.
It's easy for new people to make mistakes but very hard, or impossible, to foresee the consequecies.
The main danger is that YOU would do something careless like short your 24V LED power supply to the Arduino USB power or data pins, and it would feed back into a computer with "shakey" protection for such things and fry anything from the USB port to the motherboard (USB ports frequently being implemented on big motherboard chips.)
I think both the Arduino-side and PC-side protection of USB ports has gotten better since the last time I heard of that happening, but... a Hub won't hurt and might provide additional protection!
I use a 7 port powered switchable hub, the 5V power can be switched ON and OFF the individual ports, but the communications lines (D+, D-, ground) are not switched so comms with a self powered device (like Arduino powered from it's own 5V supply) can still work.
BTW, I have no affiliation with Amazon, just use their pictures for reference. 
Powered USB hub
What I use. Hubs damaged: 2. Computers damaged: 0. Both hubs survived years of abuse including short circuits and over current.
Yes use a USB HUB , I blew up 2 PC's .
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