Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Re: Black box again

> Hi Jon, Ballendo,
>
> I have noticed, that while you can get a parallel port board (SIIG) for
> the PCI bus, it may (always?) put the address not at 278/278h, but at
> something like C400h! And DOS won't recognize it! Fine for Windoz, but
> not good for "older stuff" (like me). Perhaps someone can shed more
> light on this subject!
>

I think only the most crippled cheapo mainstream computers don't come with
parallel ports. I will not name any brands, but some of the likely culprits
may
have the letters "dell" "compaq" "apple" in their names. However, I think
even
those boards made with Intel chipsets still have parports. The linux driver
will
look around for the parallel port. Having said that, it probably is better
to set it
in the bios. If you go into any bios setup that I am familiar with, you
will see an
option with a name like "integrated peripherals" where you can choose auto
or
the old fashioned fixed locations for the parport and serial ports.

I wouldn't buy a computer at this time without a parallel port. Microsoft
and
Intel want to get rid of it for their own stupid reasons, but USB still has
big
problems from what I read in PC magazine.

Eric