So you have your own server. So you have your own network of numerous computers spanning the globe. So you built all these computers from scratch. What do you lack? Network printing, that is what you lack, my son.
Networked printing holds numerous advantages over local printing, most notably the fact that you no longer need one printer per computer that needs to print. If all the computers on the network can print to a centrally located printer, there are no expenses associated with maintaining and replacing numerous printers. Implementation of this elysian dream is another thing, however. Luckily, its not too difficult.
There are two main ways to achieve networked printing. The most obvious is to share a printer using the File and Printer Sharing service, also known as the “Server” service. To accomplish this, one must merely go to the network properties, install the File and Printer Sharing service, and then enable it. After that its as easy as selecting the printer you want to share, and then sharing it. The downside of this is that all the network print jobs come to whomever’s desk has the printer on it. Unnecessary traffic in and out of their office results in a loss of productivity.
Conceivably you could dedicate the file server to print serving, but then problems arise in that you have a printer located away from all users in some dank corner of the office. If you have a relatively small office, this is a feasible alternative, but for growing businesses there is another choice: print server devices.
Print servers essentially take the PC out of the equation. They attach a printer directly to the network. They can either be installed internally in certain printers, or attached via parallel cable to the printer. They then connect to the network as a PC would. As shown below, the network topography I used to have had printers attached directly to PCs, which made moving printers difficult, as you had to move the computer with them. The new topography means I can have a printer anywhere I have network access, simply by plugging it into the wall outlet and the network.
Print Servers are made for almost all types of printers. Hewlett Packard produces the HP Jet Direct boxes, which are supposed to work with almost any printer with a parallel port. Intel manufactures NetportExpress boxes, and some other companies produce models of their own.
The HP JetDirect series, pretty much the leading series for print serving, are available for the whole spectrum of bank accounts. Older models start around $40 and newer models can run you up to a couple hundred dollars. Depending on your needs, you should be able to easily get by with an older model won on eBay.
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