Gord R Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Hi Looking for some computer related advice! I have setup printer sharing through XP for our 3 home pc's, but obviously this means that my pc that the printer is connected to needs to be on constantly for it to work. Which is turning out to be a bit of a pain. So my question is , what are my other options to get around this? Thanks Gordon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarkR Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 You can get small standalone devices that have onboard print servers. Some have other useful features too, such as network storage. Have a look at http://reviews.zdnet.co.uk/hardware/networking/0,1000000696,39150723,00.htm This is just an example of one of the devices I'm talking about. I haven't researched them, so have a look around before buying. NetGear, Buffalo, Synology and Thecus all do good examples and I'm sure there are others. Enjoy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
michael Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 A wired or wireless print server may be the way forward, either that or a printer that's wireless itself. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Something like this http://www.netgear.co.uk/usb_print_server_ps121.php Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gord R Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 Ah ha a printer server sounds like it could do the trick then. Just need to see how much they are now , me being a poor student and all , i feel its ebay time! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glosphil Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Yeah what they said. There are several options, 1. A wired or wireless print server 2. A router that has a printer port on it 3. A printer with built in networking I have a printer with built in networking but have used the other options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Ah ha a printer server sounds like it could do the trick then. Just need to see how much they are now , me being a poor student and all , i feel its ebay time! That netgear one was £40 from amazon. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gord R Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 I think a wireless server may be the best bet , with the pc's being all over the house. Printer is certainly doesnt have networking capabilities and i dont think the router has the facility to take a printer. So like wireless server it is. Cheers for the advice guys! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted November 10, 2007 Share Posted November 10, 2007 Printer is certainly doesnt have networking capabilities and i dont think the router has the facility to take a printer. So like wireless server it is. Assuming the printer is USB, and that your wireless router has a spare network port then that netgear one should work fine, if you're ok placing the printer near the router. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gord R Posted November 10, 2007 Author Share Posted November 10, 2007 So i get one of those netgear jobbies which plugs into my usb printer , and a cat 5 goes to my wireless router. Then my printer can be connected wirelessly though my router? Not all that hot with technology! Thanks Gord Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorin Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 So i get one of those netgear jobbies which plugs into my usb printer , and a cat 5 goes to my wireless router. Then my printer can be connected wirelessly though my router? Not all that hot with technology! Thanks Gord Should work fine yes Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paul_y3k Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 Be careful if your printer is one of these multi function jobbies. They dont seem to like being wireless Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Posted November 12, 2007 Share Posted November 12, 2007 I can't see a problem. Just leave your PC on. I'm sure it'll only use micro watts of power now that Intel bashes on about how energy efficient their chips are now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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