How Do I Connect 1 Printer To 2 Computers?

There are 3 easy ways. 2 cost money.

The free way (errr.....no extra parts, that is): Share your printer over your local network


Pro:

• You can share your printer.
• If you have your printer hooked to a computer, there is no associated costs with this method

Con:

• If your computer is turned off, your other computer will not be able to reach the computer
• If you do not have a home/local network, this will not work

Option 2: Buy a switch box

Pro:

• Both computers can use the same printer

Con:

• Both computers need to be hooked to the computer for them to print
• You must manually switch a doggle to determine which computer can use it at any given time
• costs money
• hard to find

Network Print Server

Pro:

• Any computer on your network can use the printer
• Does not go offline if any computer shuts off
• can have the computer as far away from the printer as you like

Con:

• Costs money
• requires that all computers that will be using the printer be on the same network