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What is a Printer Port?

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

A printer port, also known as a parallel port, is a hardware interface that hooks up peripheral devices, such as printers, to a central computer system. These ports were originally used to attach many different types of external devices to a computer, although the technology has largely been replaced by the universal serial bus or USB. Before the invention of USB devices, this port was the main form of parallel data transmission to peripheral components.

The development of parallel transmission was a major step forward in the early days of the computer industry. Before devices like printer ports were common, many external devices operated through serial links, which could only transmit one bit of data at a time. Serial technology also sometimes required an additional adapter to connect a computer to a printer or other external device. A printer port using parallel transmission works faster by passing multiple pieces of information between devices using parallel channels. Additionally, the need for an adapter was removed once this type of hardware was mastered.

A printer port is an opening on a computer system that allows for a printer connection.
A printer port is an opening on a computer system that allows for a printer connection.

Most of these ports come in a standard size to make implementation as simple possible. This means that models from different companies will still work when attached, as the port and connecting cable is the same regardless of the manufacturer. The port was originally developed by IBM® as a means of connecting to the early Centronics® printers. The cord used to connect the computer to the printer is very specific, with one 25 prong side to plug into the computer, and one 36 prong side to plug into the printer. When trying to identify if a computer has a parallel printer port, users look for a female port that is long and skinny with two rows of holes.

USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as printers, keyboards and music players -- to computers.
USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as printers, keyboards and music players -- to computers.

Originally, parallel ports could only transmit information in one direction, from the computer to the printer. In 1987, however, a bi-directional version was introduced. Today, not only are most of these ports bi-directional, they have also been significantly upgraded to allow information to transmit much faster than original versions.

A printer port will primarily be used to hook up a printer to a central computer, but some other devices may work with this type of port as well. Modems, scanners, fax machines, external drives, and removable zip drives can feature this type of hookup. Since the creation of USB, however, more and more peripheral devices have switched into the new format. Nevertheless, many standard printers still feature this port.

Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a EasyTechJunkie writer.

Learn more...
Jessica Ellis
Jessica Ellis

With a B.A. in theater from UCLA and a graduate degree in screenwriting from the American Film Institute, Jessica is passionate about drama and film. She has many other interests, and enjoys learning and writing about a wide range of topics in her role as a EasyTechJunkie writer.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

anon345888

Yes, you can get a USB to parallel adapter and that should work fine for your printer.

SailorJerry

@dfoster 85 - I used to have one of those! I Freecycled it years ago, but I still miss it sometimes. It was totally reliable as long as I only fed one sheet (had the same problem as yours). I remember the little screws that connected it to the computer!

You can definitely get a connector. You must not be the only one with an "elderly" favorite printer, because connectors are easy to find and quite cheap. You should be able to pick one up online or at an electronics store for ten or fifteen bucks. Happy printing!

dfoster85

I have an elderly LaserJet that I'm attached to that still has plenty of toner (and a spare cartridge I bought by mistake!). I'd really like to be able to use up that toner even though I have a wireless color printer now. And even though the printer doesn't feed like it used to and now has to be given one piece of paper at time. What can I say--I'm cheap! (And you do get such nice crisp black from a laser printer.)

But I no longer own a computer with a printer port, so my printer cable (which I had to purchase separately) is no good. Can you get printer port to USB connectors?

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    • A printer port is an opening on a computer system that allows for a printer connection.
      By: singkham
      A printer port is an opening on a computer system that allows for a printer connection.
    • USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as printers, keyboards and music players -- to computers.
      By: macbrianmun
      USB cables are used to connect devices -- such as printers, keyboards and music players -- to computers.
    • Some new printers now connect through USB 3.0 ports.
      By: Shawn Hempel
      Some new printers now connect through USB 3.0 ports.
    • Parallel ports were first used in the 1970s for the purpose of connecting computer printers.
      By: burnel11
      Parallel ports were first used in the 1970s for the purpose of connecting computer printers.
    • A parallel port is a kind of interface found on computers that is used to connect different peripheral hardware to the computer.
      By: kanvag
      A parallel port is a kind of interface found on computers that is used to connect different peripheral hardware to the computer.