Best method for connecting printer to multiple computers

[Mike G]

Currently my USB printer is connected to my desktop. To print from my
laptop, the desktop must be on obviously. I would like to have print
options without the desktop being on. This is in a home enviroment with a
wireless router connected to Cable. What is recommended 1. wireless print
server for any computer on home network. 2. An eithernet connection from
router to a LAN/USB converter 3.other ?? and does a wireless printer
server have WEP capability. Trying to eliminate drive by printing. :>) TIA
Mike

 

[Ron Martell]

Currently my USB printer is connected to my desktop. To print from my
laptop, the desktop must be on obviously. I would like to have print
options without the desktop being on. This is in a home enviroment with a
wireless router connected to Cable. What is recommended 1. wireless print
server for any computer on home network. 2. An eithernet connection from
router to a LAN/USB converter 3.other ?? and does a wireless printer
server have WEP capability. Trying to eliminate drive by printing. :>) TIA
Mike

There are some router models that have a USB port for connecting a
shared printer to. Most of these are wired models but there are some
wireless ones as well if you dig a little. That is the optimal
solution.

But eliminating drive by printing requires that you establish wireless
security so that "drive bys" can't connect to your network at all.

Good luck

Ron Martell Duncan B.C. Canada
--
Microsoft MVP
On-Line Help Computer Service
http://onlinehelp.bc.ca

In memory of a dear friend Alex Nichol MVP
http://aumha.org/alex.htm

 

[Bob Willard]

Currently my USB printer is connected to my desktop. To print from my
laptop, the desktop must be on obviously. I would like to have print
options without the desktop being on. This is in a home enviroment with a
wireless router connected to Cable. What is recommended 1. wireless print
server for any computer on home network. 2. An eithernet connection from
router to a LAN/USB converter 3.other ?? and does a wireless printer
server have WEP capability. Trying to eliminate drive by printing. :>) TIA
Mike

Instead, I recommend that you just leave the desktop on. You can use the
"green" features of the desktop to reduce power consumption. The effect
on reliability is probably a wash, since thermal shock due to power on/off
cycles is nearly as bad as letting a PC run forever. {I have seven PCs in
my house, and they all run 24x7.}

If wasting CPU cycles bothers you, see http://www.mersenne.org/prime.htm
for a good way to donate them.