Setting up a network printer - where to start?

Many users when creating a private network are faced with the need to connect several computers to one external device. This is a very convenient technique when it comes to small organizations or expensive equipment. In the first case, the use of the device is limited to a couple of requests per hour from each of the few computers. The second situation is that the device is so expensive that it is simply not advisable to purchase more than one device. Most often in the office there is a need for printing documents. Therefore, we will discuss how to configure and connect a network printer. To begin with, you will need the network itself, configured accordingly. Suitable as a conventional wired connection, and through Wi-Fi technology.

Connecting and Configuring a Network Printer

The device must be connected to one of the computers on the network. After that, you can proceed with the task of setting up a network printer. Windows 7 is the system that will help you minimize the applied effort, since it contains enough standard drivers that fit most modern office printers. If you have another OS, then there is a disk in the basic configuration of any printer. It relieves you of the need to search for software on the network. If it is lost, and the printer has already been used, you will most likely be able to find the drivers you are interested in using the model number on the Internet. At this point, the basic configuration of the network printer can be considered complete. On this computer, it should run smoothly and be the priority device used for printing by default. Next, you must allow other users to use this printer. To do this, go to the properties of the device and make it publicly available. Without this, working with it for other users will not be possible.

Remote printing

This setting of the network printer is performed on those computers that need access to the device of interest to us. Go to printer management in Windows and start searching for new devices. Check the checkbox "Scan to network printers". In the appeared window the network path with the name of the computer and model of the printer should be displayed. Select it and put the driver disk in the drive (for Windows 7 users, as described above, this manipulation may not be necessary). Setting up a network printer will begin with the fact that the operating system will record this device in the list of available for use and will offer to use it by default. If at this stage there are difficulties, then, most likely, you have problems with the connection or the basic setting of the network. Perhaps, the access to the server is blocked or the firewall is turned on, which does not allow to make a full-fledged network connection. Eliminate all obstacles and try again. Successful completion of your efforts should be correct printing in one click and without errors from a third-party PC. This setting of the network printer must be repeated exactly on all computers that need a print device.