PC Parallel Port to USB Printer

The printer is a critical piece of hardware in computer setups. Today, printers and computers can interface using either the USB or parallel port, However, both devices may not share a common port.

Identification

• A user who wishes to establish a connection between his computer and a printer will look for common ports, The parallel port is a long and narrow port that contains two rows of pins (contact points). The top row is slightly longer, with 14 pins, while the bottom row contains only 11 pins. USB ports, on the other hand, are much smaller, rectangular in shape and often labeled with the USB trident logo.

Solution

• A parallel-to-USB cable allows a printer and computer to interface even if the two devices do not have the same type of port. In this instance, the adapter cable facilitates the connection between a printer with a parallel port to a computer with a USB port or vice versa. Consumers can purchase such a cable from electronics and other retailers, as well as online stores.

Considerations

• It is not uncommon for printers to have both a parallel and USB port. Consumers who are not aware of the interfaces of their computers may consider purchasing a printer that supports both connection types. If the consumer already owns a printer, it may have both types of ports, even if she has only relied on a USB or a parallel port connection thus far.