Question for the computer experts...

[X5Jay]

I have 4 computers in my house (one is my daughter's new Mac Powerbook, the other 3 are PCs) - 2 are hooked up to the network wirelessly, and 2 are wired directly to my Linksys router connected to the cable modem.

I'd like to be able to use one printer for all the computers in the house. I understand that I can use my main computer as the host/server for this, but I have no idea how to set it up for this. Can anyone post a quick walk-through? I can't imagine that it's all that complicated. I know, I could probably find the answer browsing around the MS website or computer forums, but hey, no one compares with this great group of folks at X5world...

[Thunder22]

search/google on "sharing a network printer" it's very straightforward.

Do you have XP Home or XP pro?

and thanks for avoiding the "G" word

[Thunder22]

Here's a quick tutorial:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...utt_july2.mspx

[China Man]

Originally Posted by gresch

search/google on "sharing a network printer" it's very straightforward.

Do you have XP Home or XP pro?

and thanks for avoiding the "G" word

what's the "G" word?

[Thunder22]

Originally Posted by paomien

what's the "G" word?

"G"eek.

[AutoXer]

I had the same problem, purchased the Belkin wireless print server. I think it was $99 with a $30 rebate. Easy setup and never looked back. Good luck.

[moone]

Originally Posted by X5Jay

I have 4 computers in my house (one is my daughter's new Mac Powerbook, the other 3 are PCs) - 2 are hooked up to the network wirelessly, and 2 are wired directly to my Linksys router connected to the cable modem.

I'd like to be able to use one printer for all the computers in the house. I understand that I can use my main computer as the host/server for this, but I have no idea how to set it up for this. Can anyone post a quick walk-through? I can't imagine that it's all that complicated. I know, I could probably find the answer browsing around the MS website or computer forums, but hey, no one compares with this great group of folks at X5world...

Which computer is the printer connected to. On the other computers, add new printer and set them up to one located on the computer with the printer.

I have the same setup and just added new printer by using the network. I should find the printer for you over your network.

[X5Jay]

Hey Guys - really appreciate the help so far. OK - It appears that my main PC is shareable over the network, but I can't get the other computers to see it at all. I'm very novice at this, so I really appreciate your help and patience...

I found the printer on the main computer and made it shareable following the directions in the link that Gresch (thanks!) provided, and I think my main computer is shared properly (but I'm not 100% sure - how do I check?). But when I go to one of the other computers and try to add a printer, I get an error message saying it can find it.

So what do I need to do next?

[X5Jay]

Originally Posted by gresch

search/google on "sharing a network printer" it's very straightforward.

Do you have XP Home or XP pro?

and thanks for avoiding the "G" word

And BTW, Gresch - I had to laugh when you wrote this... I'm very careful about using the "G" word - I actually work for a large software company, but I'm just a manager... I know how to use the applications, but when it comes to this IT stuff (even this simple IT stuff), I'm lost... Thanks again!

[PersonaNonGrata]

I think the "G" word stands for "guru". Or maybe even "genius".

I think I'll be buying a wireless print server. That seems to be the easiest solution for having two laptops and not wanting to have the primary computer always running. If someone sees a good deal for a wireless print server, do share.