USB Alternative
Parallel Ports
Parallel ports are a legacy computer interface best known for printers and other older peripherals.
Parallel port characteristics
Compare its connector, operating modes, USB overlap, and current status.
| Primary purpose | Legacy printers and peripheral communication |
|---|---|
| Common PC connector | DB-25 |
| Common modes | SPP, EPP, and ECP |
| Typical devices | Printers, scanners, storage devices, dongles, and specialized equipment |
| USB relationship | USB replaced most general consumer peripheral uses of the parallel port |
| General-purpose modern bus | No |
| Current status | Legacy |
Sources: Linux Kernel Parallel Port Documentation, Linux Kernel PARPORT Interface, and USB-IF Printer Device Class Documentation.