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[ The PC Guide | Systems and Components Reference Guide | Motherboard and System Devices | System BIOS | BIOS Settings | Integrated Peripherals ]

Integrated Parallel Port Mode

Parallel ports have several different modes of operation. The original parallel ports were used only for one-way communication from the PC to the printer; newer ones include bi-directional communication and other abilities. The normal choices for this setting are:

  • SPP: Sets the parallel port to function as a Standard Parallel Port. This is the default (and slowest) option.
  • EPP: Sets the parallel port to Enhanced Parallel Port mode. Sometimes also called "Bi-directional"
  • ECP: Sets the parallel port up as an Enhanced Capabilities Port. This setting requires the use of a DMA channel, usually specified through another BIOS setting.

Generally speaking, you will usually want to use EPP or ECP. ECP has enhanced performance but greater compatibility problems, overall. I usually use EPP.

Note: This setting is either locked out or ignored if the parallel port is disabled.

Next: Parallel Port ECP DMA Channel

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