Parallel vs. USB printer cables

Parallel is the older version of connecting the printer to the computer. The connection is becoming obsolete. It is not as fast as the USB connection. It is also a thicker cable. To plug the parallel cable in, the computer has to be turned off. If you plug it in while you are in windows, you can either damage your computer or windows will not recognize the printer while it is turned on.

Newer computers are not coming with a parallel connector. If you have a computer without a parallel port, you have one of three options

Buy a USB to parallel adapter. This adapter is very expensive
Buy a parallel PCI card. The card is cheaper than option one but it will take one of your PCI slots.
Buy a printer that uses USB

A USB cable is thinner and will send jobs to the printer faster than the parallel. USB is part of the hot swappable devices. It can be plugged in while you are in Windows. It will not hurt the system to plug it in while the system is on like the parallel will. It is recommended to stop the device before removing it however.

For a picture of the connection for a USB and a parallel cable click here

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