Is it as simple as plugging the printers into a router along with the PC's then installing the printers on the PC via the "add printer" & select "network printer" option in control panel? I'm talking only 5 or 6 PCs, 2 or 3 printers...
How easy is it to network some printers in a small office?
- Thread starter no_1_dave
- Start date
it would be a local printer, unless you share the printer from another machine...
usually (best case)
1) plug in printer
2) install each machine from driver disk provided
worst case
1) plug in printer
2) set IP address of printer (via provided software or control pannel on printer)
3) on each PC add a local printer, select TCP/IP, enter the IP address, next a few times then select the print driver..
even though its a 'network' printer its set as a local port (usually)..
if you have w7 or osx it may just find the printer itsself though..
usually (best case)
1) plug in printer
2) install each machine from driver disk provided
worst case
1) plug in printer
2) set IP address of printer (via provided software or control pannel on printer)
3) on each PC add a local printer, select TCP/IP, enter the IP address, next a few times then select the print driver..
even though its a 'network' printer its set as a local port (usually)..
if you have w7 or osx it may just find the printer itsself though..
If the printers have the ability to connect to a LAN then it is very easy, do you have a server?
If not then installing them on each pc shouldnt be a major pain but it would be easier to have a central computer.
Basically you use the add printer wizard, create a new local TCPIP port, give it the ip of the printer then install the drivers and thats about it!
If you have a server, do the above on the server, then share the printer and then all people have to do to add it would be to browse to \\servername then double click on the shared printer name to automatically add and install the printer + driver.
If not then installing them on each pc shouldnt be a major pain but it would be easier to have a central computer.
Basically you use the add printer wizard, create a new local TCPIP port, give it the ip of the printer then install the drivers and thats about it!
If you have a server, do the above on the server, then share the printer and then all people have to do to add it would be to browse to \\servername then double click on the shared printer name to automatically add and install the printer + driver.
even though you can leave the printer dhcp and the software installed by the driver disk keeps track if its IP, I always set a static IP address on the printer.. infact I would advise anyone to set the printer as static..
also be nice and write the IP on a label and stick it onto the printer as well
I usually set the internet router to .254, server to .200 and the printers to .220 and leave dhcp to use .20 - .199
also be nice and write the IP on a label and stick it onto the printer as well
I usually set the internet router to .254, server to .200 and the printers to .220 and leave dhcp to use .20 - .199