Technical Terms - Hardware (A-Z) - Parallel Port

What is the main purpose of a parallel port?

• Connect printers and external storage devices

• Connect to the internet

• Play video games

• Charge mobile phones

What replaced the parallel port for faster data transfer rates?

• VGA port

• USB

• HDMI port

• Ethernet port

How many pins does a standard parallel port connector have?

• 50 pins

• 10 pins

• 20 pins

• 25 pins

What was the maximum speed of data transmission for the original parallel port?

• 100 kbps

• 150 kbps

• 500 kbps

• 1 Mbps

What was the purpose of bidirectional communication in printers?

• To send print commands

• To send messages back to the PC

• To reduce printing speed

• To increase cable length

Which organization standardized the parallel port as IEEE 1284?

• IETF

• ISO

• IEEE

• ICANN

What was the data transfer rate of the Enhanced Parallel Port (EPP)?

• 16 Mbps

• 64 Mbps

• 32 Mbps

• 8 Mbps

What was the main advantage of USB over the parallel port?

• Smaller connector and hot-swappable

• Faster printing speed

• Higher power output

• More pins for better connection

What could happen if a peripheral was connected or disconnected via an IEEE 1284 connection while the computer was running?

• The device would charge faster

• Nothing would happen

• The computer would restart

• The device or PC could be damaged

What made the parallel port obsolete in computer history?

• Introduction of USB 1.0

• Introduction of HDMI port

• Introduction of USB 2.0

• Introduction of Thunderbolt port