We have a printer that connects through usb and with 5 computers in the house, it can be a hassle to use the printer. Is there any way that we can get the printer on our network so we can print anywhere? 2 of the computers are running xp and the other 3 have vista.
Bumbleshank
Favorite Answer
Piece of cake!!!
- Connect the printer to the most convenient computer (this computer must be turned on for anyone to print)..
- Make sure the printer is set up, accessible, and print a test page from the "local" (i.e USB-connected computer).
- In windows there is an option to install additional drivers for the printer (if we assume the local computer is Vista, then the other drivers will be the XP drivers..... or vice versa)
- Right click the printer (on local PC), go through the sharing options (I can't remember them exactly, but they are quite obvious)... take note of the printer name, and the name of the local computer.
That printer is now accessible to anyone in your workgroup. Then just add a printer (Network printer) to each computer.... drivers will install if needed, and everything should work.
If for some reason you don't want everyone as part of the same workgroup, then you will need a USB print hub, however, I have no experience of these.
All I know is I live in a shared household with 4 printers, 4 PCs, and 3 laptops... anyone can print on any printer at any time.
johntrottier
The best way -
Get a USB Print server - check out this selection
http://www.cdw.com/shop/search/results.aspx?key=print%20servers|usb&SortBy=PriceAsc&searchscope=All
A second way -
Grab an old computer out of the closet, load Linux, install the load Samba, use it as a print server. The other machines see the printer as a network printer
A 3rd way
Install the printer on one of the 5 computers, set the printer to shared, install the printer on the other machines as a network printer.
Given that you have a mix of Vista and XP, I recommend the first way because Vista can be a bear to network. This is why Vista has not been accepted by the business community