How to Network a Printer to All the Computers in Your House

At this point, WIFI technology is very inexpensive, and found in many homes across the world. Although its original purpose, and the first one everyone thinks of, is its utility in connecting computers wirelessly to the internet, it also works quite well to network computers, allowing the computers in a home to share files, internet access, and printers.

The ability to share a printer over a network is extremely helpful. Rather than having to maintain multiple printers, (which will work less well if they are not used regularly) you can save space and money by connecting all your computers wirelessly to one centrally located printer. Here's how to do it:

To begin with, you will need a wireless network. If you don't already have one, this would be a good time to get one. Essentially, what you will need is a wireless router and a card for each computer. Connect the wireless router (one of these will cost about $60) to your DSL or cable modem. In some cases, your modem will include one to begin with. Follow the directions to password protect your network, if you choose. Doing so will keep nearby people from mooching off your internet connection and tying up all your bandwidth. As for network cards, these are quite inexpensive and readily available. Buy PC cards for laptops, (be aware that many more recent laptops already have one built in) and internal cards or USB WIFI adapters for desktops. Get everything installed, and follow the directions to establish a network.

Then, look at your printer. If it is WIFI enabled, you are all set. If it has an Ethernet connection, then plug it strait into your router. If it only has a USB connection, buy it a print server. This will either be wireless or rely on an Ethernet connection, and will tie your printer into the network. Get this set up.

Install the driver for the printer on all your computers. On the network administrator computer, go to the "Printers and Faxes" option under the control panel, and specify "share this printer." Then, on all the other computers, select "add this printer" under the same menu. Happy printing!

A word to the wise would to think carefully about which printer you use and where you put it. Use your best printer, if you have multiple ones, or perhaps the cheapest to use, or perhaps the fastest. Photo printers, for example, can remain local. Put it somewhere central, where everyone can collect their printouts without bothering the occupant of the room.

Sources:

http://www.ehow.com