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