Multi computer one printer

[kowz]

Hi, I am not computer savey. Can you tell me the easiest and cheapest way to network one printer to two computers? The computers are exactly the same. Please be specific on the hardware... Thank you Debby

 

[Camper]

Are the computers in same room if so a cheep crossover cable will do the job.

 

[Viking]

a cross over cable will definately NOT do the job. You can only use a crossover cable between 2 workstations , or one and the printer. I just rethought this... I took you as what you actually wrote, that you want to " network " all three, like an HP with a nic .. Camper is absolutely right if you attach the printer to one of the PC's

what you will need is 3 straight through cat 5 cables and a hub or a switch.

if you are also going to share the internet I would recommend a router instead of a hub or switch, actually a router will not be that much more than a hub or switch, so the router might be better, also has DHCP.

 

[The_Other_One]

I think a crossover cable would do fine, just have one machine setup as the print server, then connect the two. However, I do prefer using a hub/switch, perhaps even a router if you have cable/DSL and could connect it though there. This would be the easiest too, as a router automatically sets up your IP address's...

Oh, I see Viking already suggested a router too ;P

 

[jcnoernberg]

if you don't use a router/switch, you have to use a crossover cable instead of a patch cable. that is what they are for.

install the printer on either pc, enable file sharing on both pcs. right click on the printer icon on the computer, goto properties, goto share, and share the printer. go onto the other networked printer and install a printer by browsing the network. that's the easiest, cheapest way. be sure that each computer is on the same workgroup and has a unique name.

 

[Camper]

With a crossover cable or a switch you also need to assign IP Address to both computers. EX. 192.168.1.2 and 192.168.1.3 and a subnet of 255.255.255.0. If you need help setting this up tell us what OS your running so we can tell you how to do it.