I've been running my mill with Mach 3 and Windows XP on a Sony VIAO desktop system for 5+ years. The computer is starting to act a little flakey and I'd like to migrate to a different PC rather than wait for a failure. I'd prefer to get the most modern PC and operating system I can that still supports a parallel port unless there is a compelling argument to move to something else.

My understanding is that Windows 7 32 bit is the last OS that supports the parallel port, is that correct? If so, does anyone have a recommendation for a known-working PC like a Dell Optiplex 755 or 760 or other machine?

If I decide to abandon the parallel port, what would be the simplest migration on the CNC hardware side? I'm currently using a CNC4PC C35 BOB.

I am not interested in migrating to Mach4 at this time as the licensing is prohibitive for my small business. I have legitimate licenses for Mach 3 for each of my CNC machines and I've not really had major issues with Mach 3.

Thanks,
Michael