On 16 Jul 2006 at 2:49, Gerry wrote:

> I am getting my PC computer networked.  I have three laptops that will
> be networked with the PC.  The company that is installing the router
> and high speed internet will not do the printer so I will be able to
> print off any of the laptops.  
>
> Can someone advise me how I can set up my printer to share with the laptops.

  There are two main approaches to networking a printer:

1.  Attach and install the computer on one PC, and share it.  On the other 
PCs, configure a link to the shared printer *and install drivers for it*.
  (I was pleasantly surprised, when I installed a new Canon printer last 
year, that the install CD found an older Canon printer being shared from 
another machine, and set up the necessary link and drivers for me.  
Unfortunately, I don't think you can assume every manufacturer does that.)

2.  Connect the printer as a fifth "computer" on the network.  Some printers 
have a network connector for this purpose -- HP has offered it as an option 
for years.  If the manufacturer doesn't offer it, companies like LinkSys and 
NetGear now sell "print server" devices which will connect a parallel or USB 
(not sure about serial) printer to an Ethernet network.  Configuration on 
the computers to use the printer (in this case, all, since it's not directly 
connected to one) is similar to above -- the print server will need to have 
an IP address, and that's what the link will point to.

  Most recent Windows versions have a "Printers" item under "Settings", 
where "Add a Printer" runs a wizard to step you through the configuration.

David Gillett

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