How to set up a network printer?

Question

I have a router connected to a windows xp computer with a printer in an office in the basement and a windows vista computer upstairs with a wireless card. How could i set it up to print on the printer in the office using a network when i click print on the vista computer?

Answer 1

You'll need a print server, either wired or wireless (wired would be easiest if your router and printer are close enough).

With the print server you'll get a disk which will allow you to print across the network by either PC (all put very simply!)

HTH

Answer 2

Defining a shared printer on another computer is somewhat easier.   Start by going to the Control Panel on the computer which has no printer and selecting Printers and Faxes, then Add  Printer.  You will be presented with a Wiz-ard for installing it.  Make sure you select Network printer when presented with that option and if you don’t know the printer name (on the computer which connects to the printer), then click on Browse.   You should have written down the printer name from the other computer, however.  While browsing through the network,  find the computer which has the printer, right click on the printer and click on Properties.  Make sure the option to share this printer is selected by going to the Share tab.   Since both computers now know that you want to share the printer, it is ready for printing.  One caution however.   The computer and printer and must remain ON in order for others to use it.  If turned off, the network assumes you have no printer.  The same holds true for sharing documents or other objects.  The computer housing them has to be ON in order for others to access them.

So what happens if you sell that printer, or install another one on the computer housing the shared printer?  Then you have to go through that printer definition again, making sure you define that printer as a shared printer when you install it.