Parallel Port Swapping?

[arundip1]

Hi, I recently posted a message in the general section,

http://www.sysopt.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=92990

but I think it would be appropriate to ask here, since in the last post i got 1 "yes" reply and 1 "no" reply.

Hey,
I was just wondering....u know how with USB devices, u can hotswap while ur computer is on?
Well, I have a parallel port portable mp3 player (yeah i know its cheap) and a parallel port printer.
Should I turn off my computer before I switch between the 2, or can I switch while my computer is on?
Can the mainboard or mp3 player get damaged if I switch while the computer is on?
I hope someone can explain this to me....

[arundip1]

oh yeah, i tried it once....and nothing happened.
If i get away with parallel port swapping once and no damage happens, does that mean that its safe for me to continue, or can damage occur at any time?