> > Follow-up Comment #3: > > Is this really still relevant, given that parallel-port computers are > > no longer really available? > Yes, as InpOut32.dll, available as InpOutX64.dll for a 64-bit version of avrdude, > enables redirection of bit-banging to any hardware, not only the parallel port > but also USB-ParallelPrinter converters, without installing a global exception > handler (that can do the same job but much slower). InpOut32 is more flexible > than using giveio.sys but is a bit slower. > Moreover, true parallel ports are IMHO still available on docking stations and > industrial PCs.
IMHO, we should drop support for parallel ports. I just cannot imagine anyone still using parallel ports for AVR programming. I wouldn't object so much against using parallel ports if it would not require a custom driver on Windows. Giveio.sys was always a terrible hack, and the patch guard workaround in the x64 variant is even more. It makes your system unstable and unsecure, and we should not encourage anyone to use it. @Henrik: I understand that you invested quite a bit in getting giveio.sys to work on an x64 Windows (kudos for that), so I understand you personal point of view.
