At times it is necessary to connect the same printer to more than one computer in a home, office, or educational setting. There are several different hardware options available for sharing a printer, ranging from the inexpensive and simple to the more complex. The best choice varies depending upon the types of computer and printer hardware being used, how they are physically arranged, and what types of other equipment are already present. Read on to learn more about a few of these printer sharing options...

USB/PARALLEL: This is the easiest, least expensive way of sharing a printer. However, it is limited to sharing a printer with no more than two computers. It also requires that one (or both) computer has a standard parallel port, and the other has a USB port. The printer must have ports and cables for connecting it to both USB and parallel ports at the same time. After proper port and driver configuration, this should allow both computers to send print jobs to the same printing device, using their separate cables.

PRINTER SWITCH: Referred to under various different names, including "parallel switch", "A-B switch", or "auto switch", a printer switch lets multiple computers be connected to the same printer, usually via parallel or USB cables. Unlike other options, many of these units require a knob to be turned or a button pressed each time a different computer is used to print. However, some are available which automatically connect the printer to the computer that is requesting to print. Most units are limited to either two or four computers. This hardware is easier to set up than a networked hardware sharing system, and is more likely to be compatible with different computer models. It also doesn't require any different software configuration or settings like the other two options do.

NETWORKING: One of the various types of computer network systems can be set up to enable this type of hardware sharing. This technique requires a router, an appropriate network interface card installed in each computer, and the right type of networking cables. It is usually more expensive than the above-mentioned options, and uses slightly more electricity. However, it makes other functions possible (like sharing an internet connection or easily transferring files from one computer to another), and allows for a much greater number of systems to be connected.

One or more of the above-mentioned hardware options should be appropriate for most settings. Other less desirable options include sharing it by exchanging a long USB cable from one system to the next (unlike most other cables, USB can be unplugged from one computer and plugged into another safely, without turning them off), or setting up a computer only for the purpose of printing and using removable storage devices to deliver files for it.