| Sharing a printer over a network is certainly a | | | | do work but make sure that the printer works |
| good idea if you have more than one computer in | | | | well with your operating system. |
| your home or workplace. Space and money is | | | | • Be resolute on setting up a fully |
| saved when you share over a network | | | | automated network setup routine. More so, if you |
| irrespective of your work environment. You can | | | | are unfamiliar with network printer setups. Setting |
| always make better use of that extra cash to | | | | up a network printer requires technical know how |
| buy a better suited printer more efficient and | | | | on how to assign an IP address; create a new |
| more advanced. | | | | port, etc. |
| If you have a small office it is wiser to buy a | | | | • Built-in Web pages allowing you to |
| single competent printer for $600 than spending | | | | check the status and change settings from the |
| $600 on different four $150 printers for each of | | | | Web browser are a must. It is surely an |
| your Computers. Getting a single printer also | | | | advantage when the help desk is located on |
| saves space. | | | | different floors than the printer. This is particularly |
| First decide if you really wish to share a printer on | | | | true for large companies where the support staff |
| a network. Once you have, its time to decide | | | | is scattered. The advantage of this is that it will |
| what network features to look for. Different | | | | let you access any printer from your desk. |
| situations (Small/ home offices, small businesses, | | | | Moreover working with a Web browser is far |
| and medium-size businesses) need different | | | | easier than toiling through menus on a front-panel |
| configurations. Use any of the following | | | | LCD. |
| approaches to share a printer on a network.a) | | | | • Do you have to print documents that |
| Connect it to a print server. It's a device that | | | | others shouldn't read? Obtain a private-printing |
| connects a printer to the network.b) Connect the | | | | feature wherein you can send a print job that |
| printer to a computer and configure Windows for | | | | won't print until the PIN code is entered. |
| sharing. | | | | • Arrange for input trays that hold at |
| Either one of the above approaches can turn the | | | | least 1,000 sheets of paper for a small business. |
| printer into a network printer designed for | | | | Even if you don't need them right now, you will |
| proficient use on a network. | | | | quite likely need to add it later. |
| Network Interface Card (NIC) is the built-in | | | | • Get a big output tray-- big enough to |
| network interface offered by network printers | | | | leave outputs from multiple printing jobs. |
| today. It is worthwhile to note that not all of | | | | • Consider using remote-management |
| them have network connectors on a separate | | | | software if you have quite a big number of |
| card. Are you absolutely sure you need a | | | | printers. A capable program lets you upgrade |
| network printer? In a home-office environment | | | | firmware and drivers remotely without visiting |
| using small networks, Windows alone will suffice | | | | each printer. This saves lot of time. |
| for sharing a printer. If you are sure, here are | | | | • Go for printers with stacker or sorter |
| some tips that might prove helpful in your | | | | options. Even if you don't require advanced paper |
| purchase decisions: | | | | handling now it's a good idea to invest in them |
| • Ensure that your printer has the | | | | now. You never know when you might need it. |
| appropriate interface for your network, which is | | | | Advance planning for the future with investment |
| usually an Ethernet connection. Other alternatives | | | | today, helps! |