If I currently installed my Brother MCF-440CN printer with a USB interface individually for each computer I own (laptop & desktop), can I eventually install the printer under a network interface down the road once I network the two computers (without any problems)?
Also, once I install the drivers, etc. does the USB cable need to stay connected to either computer or can it be disconnected (and then reconnected) until I need to print? Thanks!
2007-01-20 11:14:32 · 4 answers · asked by Smiley_1995 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Printers
Big Rez- yes, I know that I need to network first, however atm, i don't "want" to network the computers now as the desktop is not functioning properly. What i want to know is if it is possible to install drivers first to the "individual" computers and then when the desktop is fully working can I network the two later without any problems... make sense?
2007-01-20 11:43:08 · update #1
Thanks to both of the answerers before, however, I didn't really get what I was looking for.... Can anyone else PLEASE help me!?!?! I'd really like to start using this copie/printer/scanner/fax- and I want to know if I install it now to a SINGLE computer does this mean that in the future I won't be able to connect the printer to a network with both computers?
2007-01-22 11:33:15 · update #2
Yes you can install the drivers for your printer on as many computers are you like, and use the USB cable to those computers as needed. Later on, you can use a router to link things up so that any computer in your network can use that printer. Good luck.
2007-01-26 11:41:03 · answer #1 · answered by Unforgiven Shadow 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
What you want is a USB Ethernet Print Server. This is not actually a "Server" computer, just a small device that will allow you to connect the printer to a network switch as you would your other computers. Cost is about $100-$200.
If you use printer sharing as described in the previous post you will have to have (the computer that is connected to the printer) turned on everytime you want to print from the opposite computer.
2007-01-20 12:30:06 · answer #2 · answered by Shawn H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
confident you are able to. There are some procedures you're able to do it. i visit describe contained in the main suitable authentic way i will. I even have carried out each and all of the procedures listed under. in case you have parallel ports on your computers (ought to look like the image contained in the source field) and a Centronics port on your printer, you ought to purchase a information change and the Printer cables. connect the Printer to the mounted port and connect the computers to the A or B ports. you ought to establish the driving force for the printer on the computers and turn the advice change to the computing device you prefer to print from. i do no longer think of the computers and printers in recent times have those ports. If the Printer has a community card in it, then you definately can purchase a router and connect the printer and computers to the router. Configure the router to dish out IP addresses. set up the printer drivers on the computers. you are able to connect your Cable or DSL modem to the router. if your printer does no longer have a community card, you ought to purchase a Centronics Print Server (if the printer has a Centronics Port). If the printer purely has a USB port you ought to purchase a Print Server with USB connection and community connection. you will nevertheless ought to have a router. otherwise pass on the spot. ok, this is an entire diverse ballgame.
2016-10-07 11:31:22 · answer #3 · answered by riesgo 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once your network is established, you can on each machine share the printer from the other machine. THis way, regardless of where the printer is attached, you can get to it from both machines. (Of course, you have to know to print to mfc-440cn on usb or mfc-440cn on
You can remove the computer's USB cable at any time just like you can now - that won't affect the network printing.
2007-01-20 11:32:44 · answer #4 · answered by BigRez 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋