semi ot: cardreader connected to a PC

This question might be somewhat OT. I'm currently making a little interface comprised of 4 TTL IC's to let my punchcard reader work with a PC (Linux). I think I have the interface made as much close as possible with regards to the signals generated by the card reader, but I need some info on the parallel port itself. I have searched the web, but not all my question are answerd with regards to the possible usage of the control and status signals. What I need to know is if all the control signals can be controlled from a program (not sure if it will be a kernel device driver or a user driver). If so, I have better control over the reader, if not, it may make the interface a bit more complicated. BTW, the program will most likely use the parallel port in EPP mode, not in ECP mode. The reader is a CR11 aka the Documentation M200, and I found the user manual with very usable schematics on www.pdp8.net. I was also fortunately to find a supplier for the connector at the back, so I didn't have to change anything of it's orginality. Thanks, Ed --