HowToFixComputers.com

Mark and Lenise Best · Guest

Is there a way to "convert" a USB connection to a parallel port? I would
like to purchase an inexpensive new printer to connect to an older Gateway
system that does not have a USB port, just a parallel port (that's where the
old printer connects). What is the best way to accomplish this?

Thanks

Levance · Guest

You can purchase a Belkin 5 port USB 2.0 or 2 port PCI card to add to your
system for less than 30 dollars. That what I did and it works great.

-LJ
"Mark and Lenise Best" <best.mark@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:ljsFb.173905$_M.793387@attbi_s54...

Ben Myers · Guest

If your older Gateway is running Windows 98 or later, USB will work on it. Your
best bet is to install a USB card inside the computer, assuming that it does not
have a USB port of its own.

If you are running Windows 95, the original incomplete "A" release, you are out
of luck unless you upgrade to a more modern operating system. Windows 95B and
95C support USB with the installation of a USB support pack from Microsoft.

The industry trend is to eliminate the legacy peripheral (parallel, serial, PS/2
keyboard, PS/2 mouse ports, floppy diskette) in favor of USB-connected devices.
Now that USB 2.0 is available, most of the USB kinks are ironed out, and the
trend is realistic... Ben Myers

On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 02:05:05 GMT, "Mark and Lenise Best" <best.mark@comcast.net>
wrote:

Ben Myers · Guest

Since you already have Windows 98 on the computer, installing a USB card should
be pretty straightforward.

1. CAREFULLY read manufacturer's instructions before doing anything. Some
add-in devices require the software drivers to be installed BEFORE physical
installation of the device, some AFTER.
2. Unplug the computer from the wall.
3. Open up the chassis of the computer, look for an unoccupied PCI (whitish
colored) board slot. Remove the screw holding in place the narrow piece of
metal which covers the board slot opening.
4. Insert USB card into slot, and tighten the screw to hold the card in place.
5. Install software drivers somewhere along the way.
6. Plug in computer and make sure that the USB card is installed.
7. Unplug computer, close up the chassis and put it back in place.

Another posting stated satisfaction with a Belkin USB card. The name brand
cards (Belkin has become a brand name in computer gear) tend to do a better job
of compatibility testing, especially with older computers like yours.

There are also USB-to-parallel adapters, both cables (not well proven) and
little boxes that sit outside the computer to gather dust and clutter up your
workspace. An internal USB card is the best solution... Ben Myers

On Mon, 22 Dec 2003 02:05:05 GMT, "Mark and Lenise Best" <best.mark@comcast.net>
wrote: