I have a LexMark All-In-One printer. It's currently connected to my husband's desktop computer and we can only print from that computer. I am getting a new laptop soon though, and I need to be able to print from it. Can I make my existing printer wireless so we can print from both the desktop and the laptop? If so, what equipment do I need?
2007-01-19 06:03:57 · 4 answers · asked by GottaQuestion877 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Printers
Okay, I already have a wireless router that we use for internet. So I can somehow use this as well to print from? I'm not sure how that all works, maybe my husband can figure it out. Do I need any special connections on my printer?
2007-01-19 06:17:23 · update #1
A wireless router. Put both computers on a secure network, and set them for file and printer sharing.
2007-01-19 06:07:27 · answer #1 · answered by gelfling 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Are you connected to the Internet through a router today. Is it a wireless router?
The reason I ask, it is probably easier to install a router that is wireless to support your laptop. Your laptop may even already come with wireless support, if not you can buy a wireless PCMCIA card for it. You just have to make sure the router supports the wireless standard that comes with your laptop, or the PCMCIA card that you buy.
Once you are connected through the wireless connection you are part of the network.
The first PC can just plug into one of the switch ports that is supplied with the router. It does not have to be made a wireless device.
Once your laptop is connected to the network, you can connect to the printer through the printer set up in the Start - Control panel menu.
Select the option where the printer is connected to another computer on the network.
There may be ways to convert your printer to wireless, but the router solution will last much longer, as then you can change out the printer, and the router solution will still work. Also to share the Internet with two computers, you will need the router.
Where you buy your laptop, or your Internet provider or an local electronics shop like Best Buy can help you out with the equipment you need and how to connect it.
If both computers will be in the same room, you do not need wirless, you just need an ethernet Hub or Switch that will connect both computers together. The advantage of wireless for the laptop will be you can use the laptop almost anywhere in the house.
2007-01-19 14:17:10 · answer #2 · answered by srrl_ferroequinologist 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A wireless router will work, but your PC may have to be on in order for your laptop to print. If you want to truly make your printer wireless, then get a wireless print server. Like one of the ones in the link below:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/category/category_slc.asp?CatId=371
2007-01-19 14:12:44 · answer #3 · answered by Angie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Linksys used to make a Wireless Print Server. I do not know if they still make it. Check ebay for a used one. It wasnt the easiest device to set up, but it worked fine.
2007-01-19 14:12:53 · answer #4 · answered by Freak Boy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋