Another computer question.

[st13phil]

Oldcro, you must be getting a bit frustrated by now with all the different answers you're getting which are all correct, but mostly incomplete! So I'll try to summarise for you...

As of today with the Dell desktop and Sony Vaio (assuming that they're running Win XP or Vista) you have two definite options and one possible option:

1. Share the printer that's hard-wired to your Dell desktop using Windows Printer Sharing
2. Purchase a mini Print Server as sugggested by agatward
3. If your Router has a built-in Print Server (not a definite, it depends upon the router) then connect your printer to the Router via a USB cable and set up the Print Server according to the Router's instructions

Taking the options in turn...

1. Windows Printer Sharing

On your Dell desktop, navigate Start>Printers and Faxes and right-click on your default printer and select "Sharing". On the "Sharing" tab, click the radio button "Share this printer" and enter a name in the "Share name" box, e.g. Oldcro_Printer. Now click OK to save your changes.

Now move to your Sony Vaio. Navigate Start>Printers and Faxes and click "Add a printer". Use the Add Printer Wizard to add your shared printer (select the "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer" radio button on the second screen and follow the instructions).

2. Mini Print Server

As agatward sugggests, buy a D-Link or Netgear print server for about £35 and connect it to one of the network ports on your router. Connect your printer to the new print server and follow the instructions that come with it to set it up. Once you have the iMac, this is probably your best option.

3. Use your Router's Print Server

If, and only if, your router has a built-in print server then connect your printer to the router (it will hve a USB port marked "printer" for you to connect to) and then follow the instructions that came with your router to set up the print server.

I don't think (but I could be wrong!) that your router does have an inbuilt print server, so the easiest way is option 1 now (zero cost and easy to set up), then option 2 when you get your iMac.

Hope this clarifies things for you.

 

[oldcro]

Oldcro, you must be getting a bit frustrated by now with all the different answers you're getting which are all correct, but mostly incomplete! So I'll try to summarise for you...

As of today with the Dell desktop and Sony Vaio (assuming that they're running Win XP or Vista) you have two definite options and one possible option:

1. Share the printer that's hard-wired to your Dell desktop using Windows Printer Sharing
2. Purchase a mini Print Server as sugggested by agatward
3. If your Router has a built-in Print Server (not a definite, it depends upon the router) then connect your printer to the Router via a USB cable and set up the Print Server according to the Router's instructions

Taking the options in turn...

1. Windows Printer Sharing

On your Dell desktop, navigate Start>Printers and Faxes and right-click on your default printer and select "Sharing". On the "Sharing" tab, click the radio button "Share this printer" and enter a name in the "Share name" box, e.g. Oldcro_Printer. Now click OK to save your changes.

Now move to your Sony Vaio. Navigate Start>Printers and Faxes and click "Add a printer". Use the Add Printer Wizard to add your shared printer (select the "A network printer, or a printer attached to another computer" radio button on the second screen and follow the instructions).

2. Mini Print Server

As agatward sugggests, buy a D-Link or Netgear print server for about £35 and connect it to one of the network ports on your router. Connect your printer to the new print server and follow the instructions that come with it to set it up. Once you have the iMac, this is probably your best option.

3. Use your Router's Print Server

If, and only if, your router has a built-in print server then connect your printer to the router (it will hve a USB port marked "printer" for you to connect to) and then follow the instructions that came with your router to set up the print server.

I don't think (but I could be wrong!) that your router does have an inbuilt print server, so the easiest way is option 1 now (zero cost and easy to set up), then option 2 when you get your iMac.

Hope this clarifies things for you.

Many thanks st31phil, I tried your first option i.e. Windows printer Sharing and it worked perfectly.:bannana:

Once I get my iMac it's a Mini Printer Server next. I am assuming I could then use the iMac to print even with my Dell computer switched off.

Many thanks to all who offered their invaluable assistance much appreciated.

 

[st13phil]

Many thanks st31phil, I tried your first option i.e. Windows printer Sharing and it worked perfectly.:bannana:

That's a relief

Once I get my iMac it's a Mini Printer Server next. I am assuming I could then use the iMac to print even with my Dell computer switched off.

Yup, all printing duties will be undertaken by your new Mini Print Server, i.e. the Dell, iMac and Vaio will all use that device to route print files through, and you only need that device and the PC you want to print from powered up. You should also "undo" the sharing of the printer from the Dell once you get the external print server as the printer won't be connected to it directly anymore - not essential, but it keeps things tidy.