A parallel PC card, more familiarly known as a printer port, transfers data from your console to a peripheral device. IBM introduced them with its first personal computers.

Many of the newer laptops and PCs don't come with parallel PC cards. Most business owners ascribe to the expression, "If it ain't broke, don't replace it." Keeping your older equipment compatible with later purchases requires PC cards or cables. Take the following steps before upgrading your PCs:

1. Inventory your company's computers and printers.

2. Meet with officers and managers for information on immediate company goals.

3. Educate all employees on the upcoming system changes.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Purchase USB to parallel adapter from parallel PC card suppliers

USB to parallel adapter cables transfer your data faster than older parallel PC cards. It is the easiest PC or laptop solution. Some USB to parallel adapter cables can transfer data faster than 1Mbps. Out of the three solutions, USB to parallel adapters, is the fastest to implement. All cables are 'plug-and-play' compatible and can be implemented by even PC novices.

I recommend: Tiger Direct carries more computer components than any other parallel PC card providers. The company provides excellent customer service and provides companies with more than enough information and support to make an informed PC parallel port card decision. ByteRunner Technologies, in business since 1992, also provides superior customer service. All products, including parallel PCMCIA cards, come with a 30-day unconditional money back guarantee.

Choose a parallel PCMCIA card

Parallel PCMCIA cards are slower than USB to Parallel cables. Most PCMCIA cards have a 700 kbps transfer rate. Some companies include software keys as a security measure. Sometimes these software dongles interact poorly with USB to parallel cables. The parallel PCMCIA card operates smoothly with software keys.

I recommend: Engineering professors founded Quatech in 1983. Since 1997, the company has qualified for ISO 9000 Quality Management System. CoolDrive has been in business since 1998. Unlike the other companies, it limits customer communications to fax and email. In spite of these reservations, the company provides solid products.

Buy parallel port card for PC

Parallel port cards are feast or famine products. The parallel PCMCIA EPP card is legacy equipment and is best with older PCs. For most companies, the universal parallel PC card is the best solution.

I recommend: Opened in 2001, Newegg.com was recently listed as one of Inc. Magazine's 500 fastest-growing private companies. They provide low cost parallel PC cards. With its universal parallel PC card, Trans Digital Corporation provides the best solution. Their Type I pcmcia parallel card is a true bi-directional port. You can map the universal parallel PC card to LPT1, LPT2 or LPT3. No other parallel pcmcia card can do this.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Check your printer's documentation. Many newer models include a USB 2.0 connector. On those printers, you can bypass the need for Parallel PC cards.