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Can I convert my parallel-only port to USB?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by zutano, Sep 7, 2004.

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  1. zutano

    zutano Thread Starter

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    Sep 7, 2004
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    My old but reliable PC (running Win98) has only parallel and serial ports. I want to get broadband for internet use, but have been told the USB modems won't work with parallel or serial ports.
    I've seen cables on ebay that convert from USB to parallel, for printer use, but nothing seems to convert parallel to USB.
    Thanks guys!
     
    zutano, Sep 7, 2004
    #1
  2. Bryan

    Bryan

    Joined:
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    First Name:
    Bryan
    You can add a PCI card to add USB ports but there are no adapters to convert Serial or Parallel to USB. Serial and Parallel are too slow to support USB.

    BTW, why do you need to buy a USB modem? There are plenty of cable modems that simply connect to a Network card using Cat5 cabling.
     
    Bryan, Sep 7, 2004
    #2
  3. Triple6

    Triple6 Moderator

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    Rob
    The best thing to do is get an Ethernet based modem not USB. USB Modems are problematic.

    Also, if the computer does not have USB its likely slow and an ethernet modem attached to an ethernet card would perform better.

    If thats not an option you can buy a USB PCI that will add 2 or 4 USB 1.1/2.0 ports to any Pentium based computer.


    ETHERNET CARD:
    http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=33-180-004&depa=0

    PCI USB ADD-IN CARD:
    http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=15-104-201&depa=0
     
    Triple6, Sep 7, 2004
    #3
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