5th March 2002
Home networks can be a hassle at times. It took me a few days to figure out how to get Gretchen's computer to recognize my shared (network) printer. Is there an easier way for those of you with two computers - and no router? Lockergnomie Mark Snedecor made the connection. "Some printers give you a choice between Parallel or USB. At work, I have an Epson 777 printer with both inputs. I have my desktop plugged into the parallel port (as has always been the tradition). Now, for the cool bit: I can plug my laptop into the USB port (both PCs on and connected to the printer) and everyone is happy. Though I have not tried a simultaneous print from both PCs, there seems to be no conflict and it saves me from having to crawl under my desk to unplug stuff when using the laptop (and having the urge to produce a hard copy without switching machines). I don't know if this works with all printers with dual ports, but my Epson 777 is certainly handling things nicely." Another discovery I made while playing with my HP OmniBook 6100 on a Wi-Fi connection and Windows XP's Remote Desktop Connection application: click to expand the Options, flip to the Local Resources tab, and place a checkmark in the "Printers" field. Blammo!