Ironworks Gaming Forum - View Single Post - Printer/File Sharing via Wireless network.

Bungleau · 11-09-2004, 10:42 PM

Hmmm... I'm not *completely* sure what you're referring to, Philip, but the challenge with using a shared printer instead of a networked printer is not that a computer has to be on, but that the *right* computer has to be on. In my house, that may or may not be the case. By having it networked, I never have to worry if the right one is on; it always is.

As well, I've run into issues with print drivers. Trying to print to my HP 842C (shared on my Win98 machine) from my Win2K machine was a nightmare... the drivers weren't completely compatible, and the work I had to go through was ridiculous. Putting in the print server was a piece of cake, and eliminated those cross-OS issues.

So, even though you *can* share a printer, my experience is that it's far easier to network it.

On the topic of wireless security, remember that just like locks on a house, it's there to keep honest people honest. A real crook would not be deterred by the locks on your house, and someone who wants to break into your network will do so. It doesn't mean that you leave the thing wide open, but that you protect it adequately and have good plans to restrict what someone might do once they get in.

11-09-2004, 10:42 PM	#21
Bungleau 40th Level Warrior Join Date: October 29, 2001 Location: Western Wilds of Michigan Posts: 11,752	Hmmm... I'm not completely sure what you're referring to, Philip, but the challenge with using a shared printer instead of a networked printer is not that a computer has to be on, but that the right computer has to be on. In my house, that may or may not be the case. By having it networked, I never have to worry if the right one is on; it always is. As well, I've run into issues with print drivers. Trying to print to my HP 842C (shared on my Win98 machine) from my Win2K machine was a nightmare... the drivers weren't completely compatible, and the work I had to go through was ridiculous. Putting in the print server was a piece of cake, and eliminated those cross-OS issues. So, even though you can share a printer, my experience is that it's far easier to network it. On the topic of wireless security, remember that just like locks on a house, it's there to keep honest people honest. A real crook would not be deterred by the locks on your house, and someone who wants to break into your network will do so. It doesn't mean that you leave the thing wide open, but that you protect it adequately and have good plans to restrict what someone might do once they get in. __________________ B Save Early, Save Often Save Before, Save After Two-Star General, Spelling Soldiers -+-+-+ Give 'em a hug one more time. It might be the last.