Do not worry about running the parallel port on 2.8. use stepconf to set up your card and don't expect too high micro stepping. On my myford vmc conversion I find a max rate of 1800 per rev is the most I can get.
I use the Standard install kernel for linuxcnc, and the parallel port was recognised straight away. Just remember to enable it in the bios, don't ask how I know of this problem!
My pc has a old icore5, running a pcie port to the BOB.
With a 3:1 belt drive on x and y a rapid of 38mm/sec is easily achievable so performance is unlikely to be too sluggish. Z is driving the knee so I limit it to 30mm/sec and reduced the acceleration to 200mm/sec/sec.
Connections of the bob are available on the web, watch out for the power requirements as some bob's need both the 5v and 12v connected.
Best of luck on the setup
John
