Monday, July 27, 2009

How to Connect a Parallel Device to a Computer

Computer Devices

By eHow Contributing Writer

The parallel port has, for the most part, been replaced in modern computers by USB connections. However, most computers still come with a parallel port, which keeps your options open. If you need to use an older printer or scanner, chances are you'll need to connect these peripherals to your computer using the parallel port. The connection process is a little different than connecting a USB device.

Instructions

Step 1
Find the computer's parallel port. The parallel port is skinny rectangular connector with 25 little holes formed in two rows. It is a female connector which accepts the male connector from the parallel device. The port may be labeled LPT1.

Step 2
Shut down the computer. Before you connect the parallel device, you computer must be off.

Step 3
Connect the end of the parallel cable with 25 pins into the parallel port on the computer. Most computers only come with one parallel port, so if you already have a parallel device plugged in, you'll need to unplug it. If you must have two parallel devices connected at the same time, look for a parallel splitter at an electronics hobby store.

Step 4
Plug the other end of the parallel cable into the device. The cable should only fit in one port on the device, so plug it in wherever it fits.

Step 5
Turn the device on. Once your device powers on, turn on your computer and boot up the operating system.

Step 6
Insert the manufacturer's disc which came with the parallel device. Windows should recognize new parallel devices if you connect them prior to booting the operating system. A wizard will guide you through the installation process. Windows will get the drivers it needs from the device off of the manufacturer's disc.


Computer Devices

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