Installing the printer in detail

Today, we'll talk about how to install the printer. Just want to tell you that there are two most common ways to connect it to computers in home networks. The first option is to connect the device directly to one of the computers with the subsequent opening of access for all users of this network. In the second variant, the printer is installed on the network as a stand-alone device.

Although we will consider both connections in detail, in any case, before installing, you must carefully study the documentation that the manufacturer applies to the device.

If you have recently started working with a computer, and you need a network printer in Windows 7, in any case, I also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the general principles of setting up this device.

So, if the first method (it's the easiest) connects the device to your home network, then you must connect it with a cord to the computer and make it common for everyone using the operating system programs . The installation of the printer ends here, it will be called generic.

The advantage of this method of connection is that it is possible to install any USB device for printing. But aside from the advantage, there is also a disadvantage. It consists in the fact that the computer on which the printer was installed should be constantly on, as otherwise the remaining devices will not be able to access it.

It's fair to say that in earlier releases of Windows operating systems, setting up such a common printer caused some difficulties. But Windows 7 has a new feature that makes this process much easier. It is called a "home group".

When you configure the network as a homegroup, all printers, as well as some files, will automatically become shared. If you do not know how to set up home groups, I recommend that you read the relevant materials on this topic.

If you already have a homegroup set up and another device needs to access this shared printer, read the appropriate instructions.

In themselves, network printers are devices that are designed to be directly connected to the network as stand-alone printers. In the old days, they were used only in large offices. However, now manufacturers are releasing more and more laser and inkjet devices that can safely work in the home network. And this gives a huge advantage, which is that in this case the device is available permanently.

The printer can be installed wired and wireless. Wired printers have a special port, which is used to connect to a hub or router. But wireless printers can be connected to the network via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It is worth noting that most modern devices allow you to perform both wired and wireless connection. You can find it in the documentation that comes with the printer.