Printer port
Updated: 03/10/2024 by Computer Hope
A printer port is a female connector, or port, on the back of a computer that allows it to interact with a printer. These ports enable users to send documents and pictures to a printer.
Hardware printer ports
There are three primary types of hardware printer ports:
- Parallel port - A 25-pin connector, used with IEEE-1284 printer cables, that has a Centronics port on the end that connects to the printer.
- SCSI port - A less common type of connector, used with cables and printers that were SCSI (small computer system interface) compatible.
- USB port - USB (universal serial bus) is the latest connector, used by most printers today.
Software printer ports
With a parallel printer, there are also software ports. These ports include LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, and LPT4. See our LPT (line printer terminal) definition for further information about this type of port.