Can I convert my parallel-only port to USB?

[zutano]

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!

 

[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.

 

[Triple6]

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