Parallel Port Question??Damage?

[arundip1]

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 get damaged if I switch while the computer is on?
I hope someone can explain this to me...

Thanks
arundipasad@hotmail.com

[Bovon]

I don't know about the MP3 player, but I doubt it will damage your computer. I have swapped printers, monitors, mice while the computer was running without any ill effects. You could get a switch box to connect several devices to the parallel port. I have a 4 way with two printers and a scanner connected thru the box, and don't have to manually change the cable.

[Psycho Logical]

USB devices and ports were specifically designed from the ground up for "hot swapping".

You take a VERY serious risk doing this with PS/2, parallel or serial devices.

There are voltages present that can damage both the device and the port.

Because some users get away with it is no guarantee that you will.

[arundip1]

ok, so I tried swapping the Mp3 Player and the printer while the computer was on...nothing seems to have happened.
If it doesnt happen once, does it mean that it cant happen again, or can it?

[Wombat]

Most people will say always turn off your machine when plugging and unplugging devices. It is hit and miss, sometimes it's ok to unplug while in operation other times not, static electricity has a lot to do with problems doing this, the last thing you want to happen is to blow your parallel or serial port or even the Mobo. So the choice is yours. Good luck.

Paul