Printer: RJ45 card versus as local printer ?

[Parangles]

What are the advantages of connecting a network printer on a small office network via the 10/100 NIC with RJ45 connector, versus just attaching it to one of the workstations printer ports and 'sharing' it with the others. I'm guessing that via the NIC is less configuring and loading of drivers on each PC, but will also mean running wire way back to the rear of the building where the router is located, from the printer in the sales office.
In this situation is there any advantage to using the NIC ?
Thy are all WinXP

Thanks

[ktkendall]

Actually it's the same as far as loading drivers for that printer on every PC that you want to be able to print to it, only advantage of a network printer is your not attaching it to one PC, and thus making it so that PC must be on and accessable for anyone to print. I would go with a network printer and if location is a problem I would just run a cat5 cable from the network switching box to a more convenient location to place the printer at..

[Parangles]

Thanks KT... Yes, come to think of it there is already a networked ticket printer on one of them now and when that PC goes down its a big crisis.
Hmmmm.......about 3 packs of clips should do it.

[ktkendall]

Clips for what, to run a wire????

[Parangles]

You're right- I guess thats gone out now- running cables along the wooden wall skirting (I dont think its called skirting in the US) with clips- I can just lay it on the ground behind the desks, and fix it to the wall only when its going around the doors. Thanks !

[ktkendall]

If you do not have a drop ceiling or access to attic or basement to run the cables throuhg then that surely is the next best alternative..

[WolfPac_Ite]

As said above, I would also opt for connecting the printer to the networking hardware direct.