Identify common input and output ports

Parallel ports
Parallel
  • A parallel port is a type of interface found on computers (personal and otherwise) for connecting various peripherals.

  • It is also known as a printer port or Centronics port.

  • Over the past few years the USB interface, and Ethernet has effectively replaced the parallel printer port.

  • Many manufacturers of personal computers and laptops consider parallel to be a legacy port and no longer include the parallel interface. USB to parallel adapters are available to use parallel-only printers with USB-only systems.

  • However, due to the simplicity of its implementation, it is often used for interfacing with custom-made peripherals.