Print problems revisited : Check hardware??.

[squareyes]

Hi all,
re being unable to print from Linux, have tried
a serial cable, but setup doesn't include an option to
use a serial port, the Laserjet 4 has a socket, but cannot set it up.
Thought if that worked the parallel port was faulty.

Is there any way I can check my hardware before I give up and
stop wasting my time with this? I figure 4 years is long enough,
and certainly cannot afford another machine to have another try,
and seriously doubt I would want to. Getting seriously fed up,
although would really like to see Linux print something (anything) before I
expire (only have around 25 years) :-)

squareyes at here:/dev$ ls /dev/lp0
/dev/lp0  shows the parallel port is there

Am very greatful for the help given this far, what really stands out with
Ubuntu.
Take Care
Winton