I am sure this is a simple enough task for one of you I.T. chaps out there.

I want to network my usb printer. Currently it is plugged into a machine in my study, but I appear to be spending more and more time on my laptop and not using my main machine.

If I want to print something from my laptop I just use the printer connected to my main machine through my Lan.

The problem is I dont always have my main machine on when I want to print . Therefore I reckon there must be a way of connecting my printer direct to my lan without the need of a cpu.

Thanks in advance

Pete

You need a Netgear PS121 USB print server.

Wahey, another satisfied customer.

Different rooms !

Longer cable

It's probably cheaper to buy a 2nd printer!

My Canon printer cost the princely sum of £45.00, the print head went after about 18 months and guess what?....yup £42.00 for a new one, not likely.

Wireless is no good for alarms but its great for computers.

Pete

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I can just hear it on the computer forum's "No No No not wireless, must be hardwired"

I can just hear it on the computer forum's "No No No not wireless, must be hardwired" 

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Quite right!

The average home user who buys wireless computer kit is opening a huge can of worms, especially security ones!

Pete, I hope you know what you're doing if you're thinking of setting up a wireless network so you can connect to it from your laptop in the garden. Meanwhile a USB print hub, as recommended, is a good solution for sharing a printer on a network.

As for inkjet printers, I often just buy a new one (seriously) when the ink runs out. It's cheaper that way and the new one is usually faster and better quality.

Not good for the planet though

You could just do what I do and leave all 5 machines switched on 24/7. (Global warming anyone).

I have already set up my wireless network (It was simple once I downloaded the correct drivers for my router)

Pete

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Have you:

a. secured access logon with an obscure and difficult private key

b. encrypted traffic

c. Firewalled it

d. monitored for unauthorised access