The document provides guidance on printer installation, including the importance of drivers and connection options for both wired and wireless setups. It differentiates between print device sharing, which requires network connectivity and may need a print server, and printer sharing, where a single computer shares the printer resource. The information is part of a workforce development program funded by the U.S. Department of Labor.

1. Printer installation.

2. Page 2
Instructor, PACE-IT Program – Edmonds Community College
Areas of expertise Industry Certifications
 PC Hardware
 Network Administration
 IT Project Management
 Network Design
 User Training
 IT Troubleshooting
Qualifications Summary
Education
 M.B.A., IT Management, Western Governor’s University
 B.S., IT Security, Western Governor’s University
Entrepreneur, executive leader, and proven manger
with 10+ years of experience turning complex issues
into efficient and effective solutions.
Strengths include developing and mentoring diverse
workforces, improving processes, analyzing
business needs and creating the solutions
required— with a focus on technology.

3. Page 3
PACE-IT.
– Basic printer installation.
– Printer sharing.

4. Page 4
Printer installation.

5. Page 5
Read the manufacturer’s
instructions for installing
the printer. Of key
importance is the driver and
when to install it on the PC.
Printer drivers are software that allows the computer to talk with
the printer. They are what determines how the printer will interact
with the operating system (OS) and can be used to fine tune the
printing process.
Drivers are developed specifically for the hardware and the OS
on which it will run. Using an incorrect driver may result in loss of
printer functionality.
Additionally, the functionality of the printer may also be
diminished if the driver is not installed at the correct time.
Printer installation.

6. Page 6
Printer installation.
– What is required.
» A computer, a printer with the correct drivers, and a connection.
– Connection options.
» Wired.
• Parallel and serial connections are now a legacy option.
• Ethernet: connecting to the printer either through a direct
Ethernet cable or through the wired network.
• USB: the most common connection in the SOHO
environment.
» Wireless.
• Infrared: requires a line of sight connection and is considered
a legacy option.
• Bluetooth: creates a wireless PAN between the devices; has a
limited distance, but works well for small devices to connect to
the printer.
• 802.11: connecting to the printer via a wireless network
connection. This is the most common type of wireless
connection to the printer in the SOHO environment.

7. Page 7
Printer installation.

8. Page 8
Printer installation.
– Print device sharing vs. printer sharing.
» Print device sharing is when the printer is placed on the
network as a shared resource that is available to all authorized
users.
• Some printers come with built in connections and print
servers. This allows them to easily connect with the network
and to handle most print jobs with ease.
• For some printers to be installed on the network, an additional
dedicated print server must be used. The print server will
handle all of the requests for the printer as a resource.
» Printer sharing is when the printer is installed on a single
computer, and then that computer shares the printer as a
resource that others may use. In this situation, not only does
the printer need to be turned on, but the hosting PC must be on
as well.
• Each OS uses its own process for sharing printers as a
resource.
• This is a good option for the SOHO when it is not feasible to
place the printer on the network by itself; however, it may
require that additional drivers be added to the computer to
accommodate other operating systems.

9. Page 9
Printer installation.
Read the manufacturer’s installation instructions. Installation of the printer
driver is of key importance in ensuring that you’re getting all of the possible
functionality of any printer. Printer drivers are designed to allow for
communication between the PC and the printer. They are designed
specifically for the printer and the operating system.
Topic
Basic printer installation.
Summary
Print device sharing is placing the printer on the network as a resource to
be used by all authorized users. Print device sharing may require the
installation of a dedicated print server. Printer sharing is when a printer is
installed on a single computer and is then shared as a resource for others
to use. Printer sharing may require the installation of additional drivers on
the computer.
Printer sharing.

10. Page 10
THANK YOU!

11. This workforce solution was 100 percent funded by a $3 million grant awarded by the
U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. The solution was
created by the grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S.
Department of Labor. The Department of Labor makes no guarantees, warranties, or
assurances of any kind, express or implied, with respect to such information, including
any information on linked sites and including, but not limited to, accuracy of the
information or its completeness, timeliness, usefulness, adequacy, continued availability
or ownership. Funded by the Department of Labor, Employment and Training
Administration, Grant #TC-23745-12-60-A-53.
PACE-IT is an equal opportunity employer/program and auxiliary aids and services are
available upon request to individuals with disabilities. For those that are hearing
impaired, a video phone is available at the Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD)
office in Mountlake Terrace Hall 159. Check www.edcc.edu/ssd for office hours. Call
425.354.3113 on a video phone for more information about the PACE-IT program. For
any additional special accommodations needed, call the SSD office at 425.640.1814.
Edmonds Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race; color; religion;
national origin; sex; disability; sexual orientation; age; citizenship, marital, or veteran
status; or genetic information in its programs and activities.