One would think that "local" printers are those connected directly to that computer (via parallel or USB cable) and "network" printers are those connected via ethernet cable to the network. However, this is a bit confusing, because under MS Windows, a Network printer is one which is connected to one PC and shared via the Microsoft Network Neighborhood, where the printer is connected (usually via a parallel or USB cable) to one PC and that PC shares it's printer to the other PC's in the building (workgroup). However, this MS use of the term "network printer" does not include what the rest of the computing world considers a network printer. Modern network printers have an ethernet port built in, allowing them to be connected directly to the network (they have their own built-in "print server"). They support printing via the TCP/IP. This document describes how to add TCP/IP printers to MW Windows PC's. Win 95/98/ME follow one method, while Win 2000 and XP follow another.
Win95/98/ME computers need to have (3rd party) TCP/IP printing software installed (e.g. ACITS LPR remote printing software from Univ Texas); Win 2000/XP do not, however, an additional Windows Component may need to be installed for some older printers.
Note: ==> means to "click, double-click, select, or enter" (whatever makes sense) to select, or open, or continue.
==>Start ==>Settings ==>Printers ==>Add printer (starts Add Printer Wizard) ==>Next ==>Local printer (NOT Network printer!!!) ==>NextNow, time to tell which type of printer, so the correct printer driver gets installed. You may have to first download an updated printer driver from the manufacturer (e.g. www.hp.com) and unzip and/or install it.
For example (if you don't know what to tell it, try the Apple Laserwriter driver as below):
Manufacturer Printers ==>Apple ==>Laserwriter 16/600PS (or "Have Disk" if you've downloaded the driver) If you've already installed a printer of this type, you will get the following question: ==> Keep existing driver (recommended) ==> Next Available ports: COM1 Communications port COM2 Communications port FILE Creates a file on disk ==>LPT1 ECP Printer Port Select LPT1 (pretend it's a local parallel printer for now. We'll change this to be a TCP/IP port shortly.) ==> Next Printer name: Apple Laserwriter 16/600PS (for example) Enter whatever you want to appear in the printers folder for a name - this is totally your choice, since the computer is not actually accessed by name but by TCP/IP IP address. Descriptive names with locations with an assigned number are recommended. For example: ==>L81 Apple Laserwriter Computer Lab Do you want Windows-based programs to use this printer as the default printer? ==>Yes or ==> No depending on your choice of default printer. ==>Next Would you like to print a test page? ==>No (do NOT try to print one here. It will absolutely NOT work, so do not try. we'll try test print later, after we've completed the TCP/IP configuration of this new printer definition). ==>Finish Note: at this point, you may have to have your Windows CD available, or know where the Windows "cabinet" files are (e.g. C:\win98 or C:\windows\options\cabs)
You will change the port definition from LPT1 to a TCP/IP port (or ACITS port). ==>Start ==>Settings ==>Printers ==>YourPrinterName ==>Printer ==>Properties ==>Details YourPrinterName Properties window: currently says: Print to the following port: LPT1 (ECP Printer Port) You will change this to a TCP/IP port: ==>Add Port ==>Other (NOT Network) ==>TCP/IP (for Win2000 or WinXP) or ==>ACITS or Windows Print Spooler or whatever directions for your windows TCP/IP printing software says, if WIn 95/98/ME/NT ==>OK Host Name or IP address: ==> x.y.z.w (e.g. 10.47.40.81, IP number of your printer. Note: Printer must be configured with its own IP Address, valid for your subnet) Printer/Queue name: ==>raw (or whatever your printer says to use. RAW works for Apple Laserwriters and probably for most postscript printers). ==> OK (Three parameters to change, 2 spool settings, 1 port setting:) ==>Spool Settings ==> Disable Bidirectional Support for this printer ==>Start Printing after last page is spooled -->OK ==>Port Settings ==>LPR Options ==>(UNclick) Enable banner page (DISable banner page printing - banner page is one extra page that prints before every print "job", showing Username and machine name that was doing the printing so you know who's stuff it is. THis can be useful sometimes, but most often it wastes paper/toner.) ==>OK Now, you can do a test print. ==>Start ==>Settings ==>Printers ==>YourPrinterName (note: you can make a shortcut to this printer on the desktop: ==>File ==>Create Shortcut ==>yes) ==>Printer ==>Properties ==>Print test page Did it successfully print? ==>Yes Congratulations!
Follow these steps:
==>Start ==>Printers and Faxes ==>Add Printer
==>Local Printer
but UNcheck the box: detect Plug and Play printer
Use existing port: LPT1
==>Create new port
==>Port type:
==>Standard TCP/IP port
(or ==>LPR port for Apple Laserwriter)
Port name or IP number: 10.63.40.81
port name: IP_10.63.40.81 (system will fill this in for you)
*************************
(Note: for LPR port:
IP number: 10.63.40.81
port name: raw ("raw" is required)
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Now, choose the manufacturer and printer model from the lists.
Note: if your printer doesn't show up there, then go to the
manufacturer's web page and download and unpack the appropriate driver.