1100 Ch08: Printers

Print Server Software

• Apple's Bonjour Printer Server is a free, built-in service in Mac OS that automatically detects compatible printers on the network.
• Bonjour Printer Server can be downloaded for Windows from Apple's website.

Hardware Print Servers

• A hardware print server is a device with a network card and memory that enables print sharing by connecting to the network and communicating with the printer.
• Hardware print servers can be connected to the printer via USB and can be integrated into devices like wireless routers.
• Apple's AirPort Extreme is a hardware print server that shares printers with any device on the network using the AirPrint service.
• Hardware print servers can manage network printing through wired or wireless connections.
• A hardware print server frees computers for other tasks by accepting incoming print jobs.

Dedicated Print Servers

• Dedicated print servers are used in large networking environments with multiple LANs and many users.
• They are more powerful than hardware print servers and can manage multiple printers at once.
• Dedicated print servers require a powerful processor, adequate storage space, enough memory, user authentication methods, and data privacy measures to manage print jobs efficiently.

Wireless Printer Connections

• Wireless printers use Bluetooth or Wi-Fi to connect to hosts.
• Bluetooth printers require both the printer and the host device to have Bluetooth capabilities and to be paired.
• Wi-Fi printers connect directly to an access point or router using the supplied software or the printer display panel.
• Wireless printers support different 802.11 standards, and devices must support the same standard to connect.
• Wireless printers can operate in infrastructure mode (printer connects to access point, clients connect through access point) or ad-hoc mode (clients connect directly to the printer).

Print Sharing Disadvantages

• Sharing a printer from a computer uses the computer's resources to manage print jobs, leading to potential performance slowdowns when the computer is used for other tasks.
• The printer becomes unavailable if the computer sharing it is rebooted or powered off.

Software Print Servers

• Software print servers manage print jobs using an operating system other than Windows, like Mac OS.
• The printer is connected to the computer using a USB, FireWire, or parallel cable.
• After connecting the printer, the computer automatically installs the correct device driver.

Printer Functions

• Printer functions may include double-sided printing, using different paper trays for different sizes, changing color settings, draft printing, optical character recognition (OCR), and collated printing.
• All-in-one printers offer faxing, copying, scanning, and printing functionalities.

Windows Printer Sharing

• Windows allows users to share printers with other users on the network.
• Windows can automatically download the correct drivers for users connecting to the shared printer.
• When sharing printers, it is important to consider data privacy and security issues, such as hard drive caching, and ensure proper security measures are in place.

Preventive Maintenance

• Regular preventive maintenance ensures good quality prints and uninterrupted operation.
• Read the printer documentation and follow the recommended maintenance instructions.
• Use supplies listed by the manufacturer to avoid damaging the equipment or invalidating the warranty.
• Consult with a manufacturer-certified technician for assistance with printer maintenance.
• Wear air filter masks when servicing toner kits and cartridges.

Printer Types and Capabilities

• Printers come in various types and sizes with different capabilities, speeds, and uses.
• Home printers typically have low output, while commercial printers have high output.
• Printers have different speeds and print quality.
• Older printers use parallel cables and ports, while newer printers use USB or FireWire cables.
• Newer printers often have built-in drivers that are automatically installed by the computer.
• If drivers are not automatically installed, download them from the manufacturer's website or use the supplied CD.

Printer Components

• Inkjet printers: Ink cartridges, print head, roller, and feeder.
• Laser printers: Imaging drum, toner cartridge, fuser assembly, and rollers.
• Thermal printers: Use thermal paper that becomes black when heated.