Network Printers 101

Being able to find an affordable and quality network printer is important to any business. Today, working with and setting up network printers is a very popular task at both large and small workplaces. Many companies will find that by setting up a shared network printer, they can save costs on ink and employee’s time.

As you search the internet and browse links from this page and others, you can find free expert advice on buying and using network printers at your home or business. Many small business owners will think the cost of a shared network printer will be in the thousands of dollars, when in actuality they can be much less expensive. Spend time exploring pages attached to this one and don’t miss the “related resources” section at the bottom of this page for more complete information.

Network Printers IP Address

In most setting with a shared network printer, the printing machine itself has to be assigned a specific IP address by the network administrator. This allows all computers on the network to “see” and be able to use the printer. In most large companies there can be more than one network printer and thus, more than one network printer IP address. Some days this may cause confusion amongst employees, but not to the extent of creating a major stoppage of productivity. As you consider what kind of printer you want to run on your network, keep in mind cost per sheet, cost of the actual printer and also the cost of printer ink catridges.

How to Set Up Network Printers

Setting up a shared network printer can be as easy as plugging in a CAT 5 cable, and running it to your centralized server. If this sounds like a task you would rather not be in charge of yourself, there are many professional network printer installation companies in major cities. As we mentioned earlier, your printer will have to have a dedicated printer IP address that each computer can be routed into. Using most modern operating systems, a network printer can also be plugged into an individual PC machine as long as that computer is shared to the network. If you want to try a self set up network printer, there are several pages available on the net that will guide you through the process.

Network Printers Windows XP

Because of the shere popularity and strength of the Windows XP operating platform, you will probably need a network printer than accommodates and runs off of XP or XP Pro. Before purchasing a Windows XP Network Printer, surf the net and ask your IT professional what version of Windows your machine are running. Depending on the size of your organization and number of terminals, you may have several network printers Windows XP requirements. Once again, there are multiple sites on the net, including one from Microsoft, that will help you install a network printer.

Script Network Printers

If some of your companies computers are older, or one a Linux based operating system you may need to use a one of many script network printers available on the market. These machines and the accompanying software allow almost all styles of shared printers to work with a Windows operating environment. Using script network printers may be a bit slower for users who are not directly connected to the network printer, but the speed difference should be minimal.

Network Printers Summary

When I worked at a large company, it was much easier to print things in a central location one a network printer that was reliable, as opposed to having my own printer at my desk that could easily break. You may think that having to walk to the central shared printer was a pain, but I found I no longer had to worry about paper jams or installing my own network printer ink cartridge.

Before purchasing a network printer for your home or office, we recommend spending plenty of time in research and price checking available options. If you do not have a current IT expert employed and at your disposal, consider hiring an IT consultant to help you select the right network printers and network printers accessories.