Is a Parallel Cable & a USB Cable Different?

C

Claire

Guest
Apologies for the basic question...!

I have a printer which on the back has a socket marked "parallel", and I have the appropriate cable for plugging into this.

I've seen another printer for sale which needs a "USB" cable. Is this a different type of cable?
 
Yes it is a different cable and I think most printers do not come with one as standard.

I think they go for around €5 for a 1 metre USB cable.
 
Thanks Wiggles! So how do I know if a USB cable fits into the back of my pc? Is there a socket marked "USB"?

It's a recently bought Dell, so I'd guess it should have it...
 
Thanks ClubMan!

I've seen a picture of the USB sockets, so I know what they are now, and my pc has them.

Thanks