If you have an older computer without a USB port, or you don’t have any available USB connections, you may not be able to immediately hook up a printer. IF you are having trouble finding a way to use printer now because they all connect via USB, you may still be able to connect to your computer by using one of the below options.
If you simply do not have any available USB ports, buy a USB hub, it will likely cost around $30 (or as little as $20) and will be well worth it as you continue to gain gadgets that need to be connected to your computer.
Check the printer to see if it has a parallel port. Even if the printer only came with a USB cable, it may also have a parallel port. A parallel port is a D-shaped port with 25 pins. If the printer has a port like this, you can easily connect it to your computer by simply purchasing the right cable. Ask for a parallel cable.
If you have a computer with absolutely no USB capability, and a printer with no parallel port capability, you will need a USB expansion card or a USB to parallel converter. The USB to parallel converter is the cheaper option, but it is only a partial solution, as the printing software still will not work, and you will have to find and download software in this case.
A USB expansion card can cost anywhere from $20 to $80, and you must be certain that your computer meets the requirements that come with the card. In some cases, it may be more cost-effective to wait until you can update your computer to a model that comes with USB capability.
