Networking,,, A couple of questions??

[Kevin Palmer]

Well, I am interested in using a single printer with my 2 or 3 computers. I do not have any network cards but I am set up via Linksys wireless equipment.



Can I do it with this stuff or not?

 

[user 64117]

What type of printer? USB? They do sell a kit for the printer to use as a network printer. Do you have any ports open on your Linksys router?

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Plenty of ports open on the printer. It can do either fire-wire or USB.

Yes, all linksys routers, wired and wireless.

 

[Mark S 3]

This is the route I went. Just plugged a USB cable from it to my printer and setup was pretty much done. As a bonus, it lets me play my mp3s wirelessly to my stereo.



Alternatively, you could just set up print sharing on one of the computers. Only problem is that computer would then need to be on at all times that you want to print. Too much of a PITA for me.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

In looking at my routers, I see no other ports other than the normal Ethernet ports. What did you plug your printer into?

 

[Casey B]

You'll have to share the printer on the computer that it is connected to. Drivers will have to be installed on the other pc's. I'm assuming you have XP Pro.

 

[Wes Davis]

Just go purchase a network ready wireless or wired printer and you will be all set. They are only a few more dollars than a regular printer. A few, few more dollars for the wireless model. As mentioned above you can also purchase a stand alone network printer router but I believe this will just make things overly complicated. Get a new printer with it all built in and save yourself the hassle. You will then be able to print from any computer connected to your network.

 

[JohnnyB]

I just have the printer shared on the computer that it is connected to and installed the drivers on the other computer. Easiest way to do it and not buying anything else. Of course that computer has to be on with windows running for it to work.

 

[peter barone03]

Coastie,



Stay away from the fire-wire and use USB ports.

Also I have a wireless router cause of my Daughters lap top.

and my other Daughter has a PC and we have (1) printer .

If your even toying with getting a lap top I would bite the bullet and do it right from jump street. Less headaches and agravation.



Check Best Buy they seem to have the best prices in my area and helped me put my system together. Cost was under $200.00 and dose what i wanted it to



Pete

 

[Dale Carlson]

If the printer will be near the wireless access point, you might think about a (mini-) print server. Like these:

 

[Gerald Pierce]

Like JohnnyB, mine is attached to my desktop via USB and I just shared it. It shows up on the network. Everyone in the house can print to it. I don't even recall installing the drivers on the others (I know I didn't on my new HP laptop), but you may need to. I can fix 'em, but programming and software kicks my butt. If I can do it, anyone can. Windows help is step by step.

 

[troy malone]

i used a D-Link DP-G321 wireless print server.. figured it would be the best and not have to leave any computers on.. it will work with 2USB or one 25 Pin connector,, will run 3 printers if you so choose... easy set up... works great.. print from my laptop all the time... they run about $80 at newegg



troy

 

[Chad Withers]

This might help, and is on sale right now for $10.00.

 

[Kevin Palmer]

Certainly cheap enough, thanks, I will look into it....