Sharing a Printer

How to share a printer to make it accessible from any workstation with a Microsoft Windows NT/2000/XP:

First, we must quickly understand the connection between the computers and printer: We admit that computers PC1, PC2, PC3 are connected to a network via a hub, switch or router and cable rights, unknown Internet machines.

It will take place first two cases. It is noted that the printers with print server is far more expensive than standard printer.

Sharing a computer with printer server

On IMP1 has a printer connected via USB or LPT on PC1, we would like the PC2 and PC3 can use this printer.
This is the simplest case and for a broader network of little use especially intensive.
After ascertaining that the PC1 arrive without problem to print a page on IMP1, we will activate printer sharing:
Follow My Computer> Control Panel> Printers and Faxes

We should find IMP1, if this is not the case, the printer is improperly installed, PC1 can not use this printer.
IMP1 right click> Properties> Sharing tab

Select 'Share this printer'. Give a name to the printer, even if it does not matter, we prefer to use a name without spaces.
If versions prior to NT IMP1 want to use will be installed on the PC1 drivers for these versions (W95/98/NT)
Click OK. It defined the PC1 as server printer IMP1

On PC2 and PC3, do the same manipulation:

- Follow My Computer> Control Panel> Printers and Faxes

• Click 'Add Printer'. The wizard starts
• Next
• Select a network printer connected to another computer 'and click Next
• In "connection to this printer", one would type:

  \\PC1\IMP1

• Next
• Select 'Yes' to use the default printer and then finish the wizard

Were asked to PC2 and PC3 to PC1 to connect the printer to find IMP1, we call PC1 the print server to print from another computer (PC2 or 3), it is imperative that the print server is turned on and in working order (no session has to be open, but Windows must be started.) If this solution does not, use a print server:

Sharing printer with a print server

The print server is internal to the printer (or external box is a very expensive now) he can connect the printer IMP2 on a network port RJ45. IMP2 will be recognized as an independent computer on the network will be connected in the same manner as PC1, 2 or 3 with a RJ45 cable right on the switch.

Using a print server that allows any computer (PC1, 2 or 3) use the printer without any other machine on, the print server that we had at the beginning, it is to say PC1 is replaced by the server printer. It is then, as we said recognized as a full-fledged computer, it will have an IP address and communicate with the same protocols as computers.

Using a print server can not be explained because it is completely different for each server, but documentation must be found either on the Internet at the site of the manufacturer, is often shipped with the print server.