A Parallel Port is a type of interface used to connect peripherals, such as printers and scanners, to a computer. It transmits multiple bits of data simultaneously, allowing for faster communication compared to serial ports, which send data one bit at a time. Parallel ports were commonly found on computers from the 1980s to the early 2000s. Typically, a parallel port uses a 25-pin connector, known as a DB-25, and operates using a standard called Centronics. While they have largely been replaced by USB and other modern interfaces, parallel ports were essential for connecting devices like inkjet printers and external storage during their peak usage.