Setting up a Printer on a Home Network
Getting a home network up and running is a small undertaking. It is gratifying to be able to trade files between computers. It is convenient to have the necessary equipment to trade media, data, and other files from one location to another quickly and easily. The wireless networking even lets you do it without the need for a jumble of cords and wires.
After sharing all of these files from place to place, there comes a time when you are going to need to print them. The printer that you have is probably connected to your desktop PC, and having to switch the printer cord to your laptop every time you want to print becomes a hassle. On the other hand, you may not even switch cords you may save it to a nearby CDROM or thumb drive, take it to your desktop and print it. Boot up the PC, open the file, and then print you probably wasted 15 minutes of your day right there just trying to print one file.
There are better ways that you can print the information that you want. One of them is to attach your printer to your wireless network router. This way you can print from any machine that you are using without the hassle of trying to boot up others.
Most of the printers sold today come with an Ethernet adapter. This adapter can be easily hooked from the back of your printer via a 5 cable to your router. If, you have an older printer why spend the money to go out and buy a new one when you have a decent one right at in your home.
Well the cheapest way to get a printer without an Ethernet card hooked to your router is through the use of a Print server. A print server can connect to your build in USB port or parallel port and act as a communication between the router and the printer. This is convenient, and they are usually around 10 dollars for the adapter. They come with all the software needed to set up the printer and get it to communicate properly. So, if you have a network printer, then use the network option. If, not then consider an alternative and allow yourself the convenience of being able to print from anywhere.
