Noname Chinese board: what does USB do?

I got a stupid question that keeps bugging me. In this controller board, what does USB actually do? It seems to be a regular parallel port breakout board with 17 I/O pins. What do you use the USB connection for?

https://www.makers-hut.com/wp-conten...6/09/mach3.jpg

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Originally Posted by CitizenOfDreams

I got a stupid question that keeps bugging me. In this controller board, what does USB actually do? It seems to be a regular parallel port breakout board with 17 I/O pins. What do you use the USB connection for?

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It supplies 5V power, that's all.

Duh. I guess a USB connector is a few cents cheaper than an isolated DC/DC converter. And it probably lures in a few buyers who think they are getting a USB CNC controller.