Today we’ll talk about how to install the printer. I want to tell you right away that there are two of the most common ways to connect it to computers on home networks. The first option is to connect the device directly to one of the computers with the subsequent opening of access for all users of this network. In the second option, the printer is installed on the network as a standalone device.
Although we will consider both connections in detail, in any case, before installation, you must carefully study the documentation that the manufacturer attaches to the device.
If you recently started working with a computer, and you need to install a network printer in Windows 7 in any case, I also recommend that you familiarize yourself with the general principles for setting up this device.
So, if the first method (the easiest one) is for you to connect the device to your home network, then you should connect it using a cord to a computer and make it common for everyone using the operating system programs . Installing the printer at this end, it will be called shared.
The advantage of this connection method is that it is possible to install any USB device for printing. But besides the advantage, there is also a disadvantage. It consists in the fact that the computer on which the printer was installed must be constantly turned on, because otherwise the other devices will not be able to access it.
It is fair to say that in earlier releases of Windows operating systems, setting up such a shared printer caused some difficulties. But Windows 7 has a new feature that greatly facilitates such a process. It is called a "home group."
When you configure the network as a homegroup, then all printers, as well as some files, will automatically become shared. If you do not know how to set up home groups, I recommend that you familiarize yourself with the relevant materials on this topic.
If you already have a homegroup set up and another device needs to access this shared printer, see the appropriate instructions.
Network printers themselves are devices that are designed to connect directly to a network as standalone. In the old days, they were used only in large offices. However, manufacturers are now releasing more and more laser and inkjet devices that can safely work in the home network. And this gives a huge advantage, which is that in this case the device is always available.
Printer installation can be wired and wireless. Wired printers have a special port through which they connect to a hub or router. But wireless printers can be connected to the network via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. It is worth noting that most modern devices allow you to perform both wired and wireless connections. You can find out in the documentation that comes with the printing device.