I just bought a new computer which does NOT have a parallel port to ATTACH my printer. What is the most cost effective way to remedy this situation? http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=471Is it a desktop? If so, then this might cost less:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&DEPA=0&Description=parallel+port+card&x=0&y=0

And let's see if some of the hardware gurus comment on if one method or the other is more RELIABLE and hassle free.
Assuming a PCI slot is available, I'd probably choose a PCI card, such as Rosewill Single Parallel (SPP/PS2/EPP/ECP) Universal Low-Profile PCI card Model RC-302 - Retail, to add a Parallel port. I think you're less likely to have compatibility issues with the PCI card but, to be honest, I haven't used either type of solution.

However, I noticed this comment in one review of one USB Parallel Printer Adapter on TigerDirect, for Sabrent 6-Foot USB 2.0 to Parallel Printer Adapter Cable:

"This adapter is NOT compatible with every parallel printer! I bought this cable LABELED as ''Wiretek'' but the package is exactly the same as the one here. On the back (not displayed in TigerDirect's photos!) is a compatibility list, listing many HP printers, but only a selected few Canon (BJC-30 / 50 / 70 / 80 / 200 / 200EX / 210 / 210SP / 230 / 240 / 250 / 255SP / 4000 / 4100 / 4200SP / 4300 / 4650 / 6000 / 7000), Epson (SC-300 / 400 / 440 / 600 / 740 / 800 / 850, SP-700 / EX, PM-700 / 750 / 2000C, EPL-N1600), Lexmark (XJ-350,1100,Z11) and Panasonic (KX-1121) printers. Our Lexmark Z31 refused to turn on with this cable connected. (Regardless if a computer was connected or not.)"