Question on Printers:

I'm using two laptops and two desktops at home. I was wondering how I can link my printers (an AIO and a laser) on the network so that everyone can use it. Will I be able to access my AIO functions from the laptop?

Submitted by bng85

Answer:

First, let's assume that you are using at least Windows XP on all your systems and that all the computers are connected to the same workgroup.

So we need to establish what the printer types you own are.

1. A network printer has an ethernet port which allows it to be connected directly into a router. Follow the printer's setup instructions for network use if you have a router.

2. A non-network printer lacks an ethernet port, but you can connect it via USB cable to either a computer on your workgroup. However, this means the connected computer must be turned on as other users would need to go through this computer to access the connected printer.

Next go to the computer that is connected directly to a printer. Click through these: Start> Printers and faxes> right-click on printer icon> click the "Sharing" tab> click "Share this printer">

Now you need to set up the rest of the computers in your workgroup to talk to this newly connected printer.

On each computer in the workgroup, Click through these: Start> Printers and faxes> click on "add a printer"> click the "next"> click "local or network printer"> click "a network printer or a printer attached to another computer"> click browse for printer> click on the correct printer.

Ok, you've just setup the first printer and linked it to all your four computers. Now repeat with all the above steps with the other one.

You should be able to access AIO functionality from your connected laptop, but do check with the printer manufacturer if you encounter problems as some of these AIOs (or the default driver software) may not designed for network use.