Parallel port input help needed for limit switches

I'm trying to build an interface to limit switches to the inputs of
a parallel port. I have 12 volts DC available and don't want to use
a breakout board for the purpose (I'm modifying something which
already exists, but does not currently have an input function).
I know I asked a similar question about a week ago, but as I've
compared the answers, first I thought I got it, then it became clear
as mud.

Please give me a sanity check on the following as I have about zero
experience in these things. If anyone can provide me with a
schematic I'd appreciate it.

1) To convert 12 volts D.C. to 5 volts D.C.: a circuit I found used
a 7805 voltage regulator with a .1 micro-farad capacitor between Vin
and, ground and Vout and ground. Is this kosher? If this doesn't
fly, how would I easily convert the 12v to 5 v (or can I run this
circuit on 12v)? Else, I guess I could get a 5 volt wallwort.

2) A number of interface chips have been suggested:

74HC541
74LS373
74LS244 (2 of them)
CD4069 (or Motorola MC14069UB)

Some guidance on their tradeoffs and suggestions of how to use them
would be appreciated. I'm also unclear where to use resistors and
capacitors in this context (or what appropriate values would be.

Please help!

Regards,
Jeff