Just to be on the safe side, I am going to do this the right way. I can't help but ask the question though. Is it safe to connect a parallel printer cable to your PC while it is powered up? My instinct tells me no, but I prefer to leave my computer running unless there is a specific reason to power down.

Conventional Wisdom:
There is a risk to the mainboard if you connect a parallel cable to a live PC.

I don't risk mine that way either.

Not as much of a risk as connecting a ps2 mouse or keyboard, but still a risk. I wouldn't do it....

I didn't do it. Thanks for entertaining my curiousity though.

Classicsoftware's point about PS2 and keyboard connectors is quite valid, and good advice. The chipset can easily be fried if those are connected "hot".

can anyone explain the logic behind it !! am just connecting a peripheral, how will it fry the chipset ??. Though i never connect it while my pc is up and running :)

Becuase it is a communications device. Data is transmitted and it is two way. Since a mouse and keyboard get power as well, there is a greater propensity for damage when plugging into a PS2 port. I would not do it.. Proceed at your own risk

PS/2: As noted above can and probably will fry the controller (not necessarily the chipset) if hot plugged. Having done it by mistake, the computer will still work fine but the keyboard or mouse controller will no longer work, whichever was plugged or unplugged. Sometimes it will fry the keyboard or mouse too. Don't do it...I even unplug the power cord just to be sure.

Printer: Can be hot plugged, I've done it a number of times. Video and printer (Parallel) can be hot plugged and should not cause any damage, but to be on the safe side I avoid hotplugging parallel printers. USB printers or any other USB device can be hotplugged with no ill effects, they are designed that way.

I've hotplugged PS/2 keyboards/mice hundreds of times on servers at work and never had a problem. I agree the "safest" methods involve no power applied while switching, but that's not always feasible.

I've hotplugged PS/2 keyboards/mice hundreds of times on servers at work and never had a problem. I agree the "safest" methods involve no power applied while switching, but that's not always feasible.

Bad advice.....

Just because you crossed the expressway drunk and blindfolded at rush hour plenty of times, does not mean you won't be hit by a truck the next time you try it. It is not wise to plug in a PS2 device to a running system.

As for parallel, I stopped doing it with the advent of IEE1284 devices that use bi directional signals.