Success I have finally made my PC talk to my CNC machine, I have brought a male to male LPT 25pin cable and the response is smooth.
I will eventually invest in the USB converter devices that you mentioned but that's for another day when I have some spare cash.
I've done a Youtube video as well for you all to laugh at as not done a Youtube video in years, showing my inexperience on the topic. https://youtu.be/KoGgAq6H0Ww
now to buy mach3 and trial Vcarve.
cheers all for your help I will pick your brains on other subjects sooner probably than later.