Doddy, personally I wouldn't recommend using a parallel port to anyone now, as even LinucCNC has compatability issues. However, it's always worth a try before buying an external motion controller, especially if you're build is using a parallel port BOB.
A UC100 is only €80, if that fails.
And I very much doubt that if UCCNC ever gets ported to linux, it'll be free.

Kit, only standalone controllers take the raw g-code. Everything else, the PC is taking the G-code, and generating a buffer of small movements, which are then sent to the motion controller. There is a quite a grey area though, as to how much is handled by the PC, how much is handled by the motion controller, and how the two interact. I can explain more, but I've not got time just now.