I recently networked an HP printer loaded on my desktop to two laptops, one 
a work laptop and the other a personal laptop. All I had to do was go to 
"Add a Printer," then establish a network link between each laptop and 
desktop (e.g., \\host computer name\printer sharing name). I didn't have to 
install any drivers.

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "David Gillett" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 12:05 PM
Subject: Re: [PCBUILD] Getting my printer networked with my laptops


> 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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         PCBUILD maintains hundreds of useful files for download
                     visit our download web page at:
                  http://freepctech.com/downloads.shtml