BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?

Subject: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 02:56 PM

So I've got 2 computers running on my desk. Is there an adaptor through which I can run them both to the same printer?

Stupid question, right? But if one doesn't dare to ask stupid questions, one may never get the answer! ;-)

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: GUEST,beardedbruce
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:02 PM

either a print share box ( check your local computer shop, or online), or put the printer ( and the computers) on a network.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:04 PM

More dumb questions coming right up!

Is a print share box a physical item?

You set up a network through a router, correct?

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:25 PM

If all you have is those two computers, and you don't need to share much between them (remember, you can always transfer data with the use of a memory stick costing next to nothing - these days you get them as giveaways), then I would opt for the print share box.   Yes, it is a physical box, it's small and cheap. Don't bother with setting up a network, it adds a level of complexity you can probably do without, and increases the risk of exposure to nasties for the machines.

The KISS (keep it simple, stupid) principle holds true in all circumstances.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:29 PM

Thanks. I'll get the print share box. Much obliged for the quick answers.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: GUEST
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 03:30 PM

Yes, looks like a printer switch box ( Which would do the job as well, but have to be switched each time you wanted to use the other printer. Switch on front (A-B) and three connectors on the back (A-B-C) ( 1 in, 2 out OR 2 in, 1 out)

Network of 2 computers, 1 printer requires a router. But you can get by with an older one ( obsolete, but more than fast enough) should be under $10 on the used market.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Amos
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 05:05 PM

If they were Macs. all you'd have to do is run a wire between them--the second one would share the printer connected to the first one.


A

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Rasener
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 05:11 PM

We have 4 PC's in our house.
If anybody wants to print something, they attach the file to an E-mail and send it to me and i print it.
Can't be arsed with having a network.

It works well

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Rasener
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 05:15 PM

In fact my daughter has just sent me her homework. Took seconds to print.

I am the print server :-)

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 31 Mar 09 - 05:21 PM

I have a laptop about five feet from the desktop here. The laptop is from work for talking to the secure network in the library. I had that software on my personal desktop, but when I removed it on Dec. 26 all Hell broke loose. Now I let the office laptop do that work and if it dies they know how to fix it at the office.

I suppose I could simply install my printer on both computers and move the cable. The printer is right now attached to my desktop computer via the parallel cable, freeing up a USB plug on the computer. But since there is a USB slot on the printer, I could run a cable to the laptop.

Wouldn't want to try to run both computers to the printer simultaneously, but then, I can only work on one computer at a time. (Don't suggest a network between the computers, even though there is a wireless router in the room. This laptop is on the work network and if I try to change it, I lock myself out. I discovered that a few days after I brought it home. It requires a trip to the office to let one of the techies reset it.)

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Gurney
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 12:15 AM

I did it when I had a printer that had both parallel and USB ports. You just install the appropriate driver in each computer.

Previously I had a parallel data switch, which is what my expert called what Guest calls a printer switch box. At todays prices, it cost about as much as a printer!

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Amergin
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 02:11 AM

I have a printer with wireless capabilities...easy to set up.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: GUEST, topsie
Date: 01 Apr 09 - 08:32 AM

My old computer, attached to the printer, will no longer lag on to the internet (lack of memory, I think), so the email option isn't available. If I need to print something I put it on a disc and thenb put the disc in the old computer. It's a bit of hassle so I only bother when I REALLY NEED TO print something - I'm saving a hell of a lot on paper and ink.

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: goatfell
Date: 02 Apr 09 - 07:20 AM

Joe offer, I thought it was wrong to come on to this website and just call themselves Guest I thought you told these 'people' not to do it but to give themselves a name at lest

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 02 Apr 09 - 10:04 AM

Goatfell, it looks like a regular lost their cookie and isn't aware of it.

Gurney, good to know that my idea works. I may actually try it out one of these days.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: Can you run 2 computers to same printer?
From: GUEST,Ravenheart
Date: 03 Apr 09 - 01:32 AM

I used a parallel switch for a while, but now have this Buffalo print server hooked to the router. It's a lot faster, I don't have to switch the switch, and laptops elsewhere in the house can use it.