If I buy a new printer (with operating software) and plug it into any USB on my old Compaq Presario (year - 2000) will it work? I am currently using a parallel (multi-pin) cable for printing.
2006-12-08 04:54:39 · 10 answers · asked by Gotta Know 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Printers
My operating system is Windows Millenium(Me). I know it is outdated!!!
2006-12-08 05:33:29 · update #1
To Peter K. No I do not know if my USB ports are 1.0, 1.1 or 2.0. Is there any easy way of finding out for sure. It's not marked in my manuel? Can it be found somewhere in the files on my computer?
2006-12-09 15:21:56 · update #2
Yep you should have no issues with a usb printer. Just make sure to follow the directions for the software that comes with the printer. You may need to find drivers if you are running Win98 or WinME, but those are easy to find.
Also make sure that the printer is USB 1.1 compliant it you don't have USB 2 ports, and that the printer is compatible with your operating system (don't by an WinXP only printer if your running Win98).
Sincer your runnig WinME, keep that in mind when you are looking at printers and tell the sales person that. Do you know it your USB ports are 1.0, 1.1 or 2.0?
2006-12-08 04:58:47 · answer #1 · answered by Peter K 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes any USB port can be used for either input or out put a good show of this fact are the pen/jump drives, you can read and write to them, also you can install up to 8 devices on each USB port just by buying a USB hub.
So yes if you plug your new printer in then it will work, due to the 2000 though I would be worried about the OS more than anything, if you have anything beyond Windows 98 Second Edition though it will work. Also based on the year I believe that you would only be running USB 1.0 or 1.1 which would mean that you would only be able to get the slower bandwidth but all of the USB devices will still work on the machine
2006-12-08 05:00:34 · answer #2 · answered by Owyn999 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, all USBs work as both. So as long as your old Compaq has a USB port the printer should work, although make sure you install the drivers with it (it should come with a disk). The only thing you will want to check with the printer is that it is USB 1.0 and 2.0 compatible --- your older Compaq probably only has a USB 1.0 port. The only real differences in the different USB ports are speed, but some newer devices (usually only flash drives) are only for USB 2.0.
2006-12-08 05:00:45 · answer #3 · answered by sarahlizz3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the OS (Operating System) you have on your pc, for best results you should have Win XP, but with Win 2000, the software that comes w your printer SHOULD work. USB= Universal Serial Bus/ as far as being used for either an output or input; the answer is, it does not matter, it will support both.
2006-12-08 05:07:16 · answer #4 · answered by AceJack72 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yes the USB can connect to an output device or input device such as in your case a printer or in my case a USB mouse
Now there are different versions of USB there was originaly USB v1.0 which runs at (Low Speed) 1.5Mb/s or (Full speed) 12Mb/s but had problems, it was fixed in USB1.1. after that came USB 2.0 which can run at (High speed) 480Mb/s.
Also the different USB versions are backward compatible with previous versions which mean the device or port ,whichever one is newer, will slow down for the slower device or port
2006-12-08 05:12:03 · answer #5 · answered by infomaniac50 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have no problem.. you may need to load the software that comes with the printer.. but other than that you should have no t problem.. A USB port is bi-directional and can pass information both directions.
2006-12-08 05:01:14 · answer #6 · answered by incontrol_01 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, and yes and you can still leave your other printer connected too. I have an Okidita black and white printer hooked up on parrellel port, as well as a color printer, and a scanner printer combo 3 in 1 fax machine. on all at the same time.
2006-12-08 05:03:19 · answer #7 · answered by unpop5 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Sure if the printer takes a USB cable.
2006-12-08 08:01:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is.
Dont worry, ur printer will work just fine.
To get full support from ur usb ports, u should use XP or later.
But if u install proper softwere in any os, it will work.
GoooooooodLUCK!!
2006-12-08 05:04:09 · answer #9 · answered by akib_ahmed 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
yah its true... that u can use any USB port or either input or output
2006-12-08 05:10:17 · answer #10 · answered by Sagar 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋