Management Information System (MIS) Practice Exam

Which of the following types of ports is used to connect printers to computers?

1. Serial ports

2. HDMI ports

3. Parallel ports

4. Ethernet ports

The correct answer is: Parallel ports

The correct option is the one that identifies parallel ports, which were commonly used to connect printers to computers. Parallel ports are designed to send multiple bits of data simultaneously, allowing for faster communication compared to serial ports, which transmit data one bit at a time. This capability made parallel ports particularly suitable for connecting printers, as they required more bandwidth to transfer larger amounts of data efficiently. During the peak usage era of parallel ports, many printers were built to connect through this interface, utilizing a 25-pin connector for the connection. This became a standard for many years, especially before the advent of USB ports, which have since become the predominant method for connecting printers due to their higher speeds and versatility. In comparison, serial ports can connect devices like modems and mice but are not typically used for printers because of their slower data transmission rates. HDMI ports are specifically designed for transmitting high-definition audio and video signals and do not support printer connections. Ethernet ports are used for network connections rather than direct device connections like those required by printers. Thus, the relevance and function of parallel ports as a direct interface for printers support their selection as the correct answer.