Network Printer Settings

Get to know Network Printer Settings

Network printers are printers that belong to a network. There are two types of Network Printers; one is the printing hardware which has a built-in Network Interface Card or NIC which can be connected to a router or switch via an Ethernet cable. The second is a local printer that is connected to a computer which is then shared to other computers in the network via file and printer sharing of Windows®.

The guidelines in changing network printer settings as well as issues encountered will be discussed in the following points:

• Guidelines
• Benefits
• Common Issues

Guidelines
When installing network printers you must know the Manufacturer, Model Name and IP address of your printer. If you do not know where to get this information, you can contact the customer service of your printer manufacturer to help you get this information. If the printer is already available in the network, you can just add this printer to your computer so that your computer can print using the network printer. You can do this in the Printers and Faxes option and run the Add a Printer wizard. Make sure that your computer is also part of the network; this could be through a router or through the file and printer sharing of Windows®.

Benefits
There are benefits that a consumer can get when they use a network printer. It saves money because you do not need to install a printer per computer. One printer is enough for all the computers in the network. Network printers are essential for small business or home business. Compared to printers, which are shared in the network through file and printer sharing of Windows®, network printers do not need to have a host PC where the printer will be connected. Users can print anytime without worrying if the host PC is available. There are also wireless network printers available in the market, which lessens the clutter of cables.

Common Issues
There are issues or problems that users might encounter when installing or configuring a network printer. One is unable to print after the network was moved. This happens when the network router has changed IP address, and it affected the printer, especially if the printer’s IP is DHCP provided which changes from time to time. Resolution would be to change the IP address on the printer properties in the Printers and Faxes or to manually assign an IP address to the printer. There are reported issues with Windows® XP SP2 wherein only the administrator account can print and the rest of the users are restricted. There are two given solutions; one is to change the printer properties on the user accounts setting. The other given solution is to change the queue name in the printer properties to the IP address. Also make sure that firewalls will allow the users to print.

iYogi is a leading provider of online subscription-based technical support services offered directly to consumers and small businesses across a wide range of computing and communications devices and software. With a pool of thousands of tech experts, the company offers its services primarily through long-term unlimited service subscription plans of 1 to 3 years, on a 24/7 basis 365 days a year. Our Annual Subscription covers the following services:

• Comprehensive support for Network Printer Settings.
• Diagnostic & repair for your technologies.
• Troubleshoot software errors.
• Update drivers and security to protect against online threats.
• Connect to Internet, devices and peripherals.
• Optimize your computer’s speed and performance.

Unlimited access to wide range of service offerings, all year around! iYogi’s resolution rates are amongst the highest in the technical support industry.