How do I connect an old printer using a parallel port to a USB port on my computer?
Belkin makes a conversion cable, costs a ridiculous $30, but works fine. You can also spend a bit more and get a stand alone print server device that has a few parrallel ports and USB ports and connects to your router (or wireless base station) via Cat5 network cable. That way you can print to your printer from anywhere in your home/office with a wireless laptop, and your primary desktop computer does not have to be on. Particularly useful if you ever upgrade to a Multi-function device like a copier/fax/scanner/printer unit. I have one from Brother and it’s excellent.
One other point you probably already know, but your my friend, so I will remind you.
Do not forget when you get it going to go online to printers manufacturer’s website and make sure you get updated drivers for the “old” printer to work with your computer.
Just a small reminder.
Your friend,Melissa
For few bucks more than the cost of converters and cables, not to mention the time and effort to make it work, you can buy a new printer. Reasonably high speed ink jets can be had for well under $100. To avoid ink costs, small laser printers are only bit over $100. In one example of our sick, throw-away consumer society, it can actually be as cheap to replace a low end ink jet printer than buy new ink cartridges for it. Is that whacked or what?
It’s the old razor blade strategy…give-away the razor (holder), but charge for the blades…for “perpetual” consumption.
And frequently the cartridge in the box is a starter cartridge and new ones will have more ink. HP has just come out with high volume cartridges for many printers and my new color laser has 3x capacity cartridges for about double the price.