Printers

• Adding a printer
• Networking
• Sharing
• Printer Drivers (Web and CD)
• Basic troubleshooting
• Supplies

Adding a printer

It is important before adding a printer that you make sure you have a copy of the printer driver and you read the instructions for installing those drivers. New printers will come with a CD and usually you can connect the printer, put in the CD and an installation program will begin that you can follow step by step. The Windows OS also comes with many printer drivers on the Windows CD but these may be older drivers.

If you don't have the latest printer driver you can easily go out to the Internet and download it. It is easiest to do this on the computer that you will be connecting the printer to. Some of the drivers have large installation programs and won't fit on one disk. If you have to download drivers, check the "read me" at the web site for instructions on where to download the driver. Many times the instructions will tell you to create a folder and what to name it.

Here is a list of the most popular printer web sites for printer drivers.

• Hewlett Packard - http://welcome.hp.com/country/us/eng/support.html
• Canon - http://www.usa.canon.com/html/cprSupportDetail.jsp?navfrom=DrivD
• Epson - http://www.epson.com/cgi-bin/Store/index.jsp
• Lexmark - http://www.lexmark.com/US/support/drivers/

Sometimes these files are compressed (zipped) and you will have to have software to "unzip" the files. If that is the case, you will have to download and install compression software before downloading the drivers. You can download freeware, shareware and trial software for this at TUCOWS.
Go to: http://www.tucows.com/system/comp95_default.html
WinZip is the most popular but any zipping tool will work. Find one that says it is easy to use!

During the installation be prepared to answer a few questions regarding how the printer will be connected to the computer. Usually the installation program will give you three options:

1. The printer is connected to one computer (sometimes called a local printer)
2. The printer will be shared by other computers (you will use printer sharing that is built into Windows Networking)
3. The printer is networked (this usually means that the printer has an network (Ethernet) card and is attached to the network and not a computer.

Note: Many printers are now connected via USB . You can connect one printer to a USB hub and connect a couple of printers to that hub. This isn't a "network" and you would install the printer driver as if the printer was connected to one computer.

If you don't have the printer installation CD that came with the printer, first download the driver from the manufacturer's website and make sure it is in a folder on your C drive that you can locate. Then go to:

For W95/98/2000
START--> SETTINGS--> PRINTERS--> Add a printer

For Windows XP
START--> PRINTERS & FAXES --> Add a printer

Proceed step by step, reading and following directions. Many printers will automatically configure themselves with Windows XP and 2000. The older the printer and the older your operating system the more "complicated" it is to set up.

There are easy to follow directions on How To Install A Printer at TechTV and ZDNet.
TechTV: http://www.techtv.com/callforhelp/howto/story/0,24330,3351582,00.html
ZDNet: http://www.zdnet.com/products/stories/reviews/0,4161,2411785,00.html

Networked Printers

Networked printers can be more expensive but could cost less than having a separate printer connected to each computer you have at your site. Networking a printer also allows you to put the printer where you can monitor number of pages printed, etc. Many libraries got a networked HP Laser Jet with their Gates computers and many schools utilize both local and networked printers.

Networked printers are connected to Ethernet hubs just like computers. This means that you printer has an IP address just like the computers on your network. You can see what IP Addresses are available for your library by logging into the MSLN Network Management Tool. If you are adding computers or printers and need a larger range of IP Addresses, please contact the MSLN Help Desk (1-888-367-6756).

It is easiest to set up a networked printer using the printer's IP address. Sometimes this can be assigned via software; other printers need it programmed in at the printer (like the HP Laser printers many libraries got through the Gates program).

Sharing printers

To share a printer in Windows 95/98, XP, NT, 2000 The process is pretty much the same for all.

1. First, make sure the printer is installed and working correctly on the computer that it is connected to.
2. Next, you have to enable printer sharing on this computer, then install the drivers and point to this printer on all the other computers.

To enable sharing
Go to Network Neighborhood and Right Click then select properties
Click the File and Print Sharing button
Select "I want to be able to allow others to print to my printer."
Click OK. You may be prompted to insert the Windows CD to copy additional files.
This enables the ability to share a printer but now you have to select what printer to share and how it is to be shared.

Select Printer to be Shared
Go to Start --> Settings --> Printers
Right click on the printer you want to share.
Click on the Sharing tab
Select Shared as and give the printer a name if one is not already there.
Leave everything else blank.

Configuring the other computers to use the Shared Printer
You most likely will have to install the drivers for the shared printer then point to that printer. The installation may ask you about printer sharing. If you select this option the installation program will guide you through the process.
Go to Start --> Settings --> Printers
Double click on the Add Printer icon
Select either Network printer or printer attached to another computer (this varies)
Use the Browse button to locate the computer, then the printer and select the printer.
When you are done, the printer icon should have the "sharing hand" underneath it.

Additional instructions (with graphics)
http://broadband.earthlink.net/home-networking/networking/sharing.html

Troubleshooting Printer Problems

Most printer problems can be solved by reinstalling the printer drivers. It is a good idea to download the latest drivers from the manufacturer's web site. (See the list above.) If you have problems getting the quality you'd like from your printer, it could be the ink cartridge needs to be changed or cleaned, or double check the settings. For other problems the first step is to visit the printer manufacturer's support web site. Look for a FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) section or a searchable database. If you can't solve your printer problem, contact an MSLN Circuit Rider for additional assistance.

Printer Supplies

Ink and laser cartridges are available locally at places like Staples and OfficeMax. You can also find them on the Internet. Some web sites sell "generic" cartridges in additional to the manufacturer's brands. Make sure that you have the original part number. You can look at the old cartridge to make sure or look up the part number at the manufacturer's web site. Make sure you also know the Make, model and number of you printer!