How to install a independent network printer?

gabrezu · 09-06-2008, 11:47 PM

Hi, right now, what I have is one USB printer attached to computer A, which is in LAN Workgroup. I have computer B also in LAN Workgroup. If I want to print something on B, I have to open A and then print.

What I would like to have to is to make my printer independent from any computer. What kind of hardware would I need and what would be the best way. Thanks in advance.

Edit: Since I'm asking for printers, I might as well ask for hard drives too. I have this external USB HD connected to computer A and would like to access it from computer B. That would still require A to be open. Is there a way to make those HD also independent?

NeilF · 09-07-2008, 03:30 AM

You could use a USB print server or a usb switch box

gabrezu · 09-07-2008, 01:36 PM

Ok thanks. I've been looking around and I see the USB print server. What about the USB switch box? That thing should have several USB ports and one ethernet port right? If that is so, is it possible to have that box wireless?

Edit: I forgot to precise. I want the printer and HDD to be part of the LAN. Its not only 2 computers that are sharing them, but could be dozens.

**johnwill** · 09-07-2008, 03:26 PM

Take a look at the Belkin Network USB Hub, sounds like what you're describing.

09-06-2008, 11:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
gabrezu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 154 OS: XP	How to install independent network printers and hard drives? Hi, right now, what I have is one USB printer attached to computer A, which is in LAN Workgroup. I have computer B also in LAN Workgroup. If I want to print something on B, I have to open A and then print. What I would like to have to is to make my printer independent from any computer. What kind of hardware would I need and what would be the best way. Thanks in advance. Edit: Since I'm asking for printers, I might as well ask for hard drives too. I have this external USB HD connected to computer A and would like to access it from computer B. That would still require A to be open. Is there a way to make those HD also independent? Last edited by gabrezu; 09-06-2008 at 11:58 PM.

09-07-2008, 03:30 AM	#2 (permalink)
NeilF Registered User Join Date: Jun 2008 Posts: 180 OS: win xp, vista, linux	Re: How to install a independent network printer? You could use a USB print server or a usb switch box

09-07-2008, 01:36 PM	#3 (permalink)
gabrezu Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 154 OS: XP	Re: How to install a independent network printer? Ok thanks. I've been looking around and I see the USB print server. What about the USB switch box? That thing should have several USB ports and one ethernet port right? If that is so, is it possible to have that box wireless? Edit: I forgot to precise. I want the printer and HDD to be part of the LAN. Its not only 2 computers that are sharing them, but could be dozens. Last edited by gabrezu; 09-07-2008 at 01:39 PM.

09-07-2008, 03:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
johnwill Manager, Networking Forums Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: S.E. Pennsylvania, US Posts: 41,940 OS: Windows 7, XP-Pro, Vista, Linux Blog Entries: 1	Re: How to install a independent network printer? Take a look at the Belkin Network USB Hub, sounds like what you're describing. __________________ If TSF has helped you, Tell us about it! or Donate to help keep the site up! Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience