Adding a printer to a workgroup

[PT]

Our place of business includes several WinXP computers hardwired into an
Ethernet connected MS workgroup. One of our large HP printers is and must
be located close to the Ethernet hub, which is on a different floor and room
and not close to any of the computers.

What's the best way to add the printer so it's part of the workgroup (i.e.
any of the computers can print to it?

I seem to recall that at my former job, the client/server network had
numerous standalone printers connected to "print servers". Is the print
server essentially a special purpose computer, which can be plugged into the
Ethernet hub?

Is this the best and least expensive way to solve the problem?

 

[Michael W. Ryder]

Our place of business includes several WinXP computers hardwired into an
Ethernet connected MS workgroup. One of our large HP printers is and must
be located close to the Ethernet hub, which is on a different floor and room
and not close to any of the computers.

What's the best way to add the printer so it's part of the workgroup (i.e.
any of the computers can print to it?

I seem to recall that at my former job, the client/server network had
numerous standalone printers connected to "print servers". Is the print
server essentially a special purpose computer, which can be plugged into the
Ethernet hub?

Is this the best and least expensive way to solve the problem?

The best way to connect to the printer is to have the printer attached
to the network. Most HP printers come with an Ethernet port or can have
one added. Then it is simply a matter of setting up the port on the
computers when adding the printer. Print servers can be used when the
printer has no way of adding an Ethernet port.

 

[peter]

add a print server box like this one:
http://www.dlink.com/products/?sec=0&pid=166

Shop around for price/brands/reviews. Some switches have a built-in printer
server as well.