Printers have become a necessity both at home and at work. In the past, its installation was a real obstacle course, but today, it is almost a child’s play. However , installing them on a shared network is a bit more complex , but once this is done, you can print whatever you want, anywhere in the world.
Printing devices allow you to list the documents created by users such as: letters, invoices or manuals, so it is one of the most used equipment in the office, becoming essential for streamlining various procedures at work and other scenarios . However, many people are unaware of how they can make a correct configuration of these devices .
In this tutorial, I will give you a step-by-step guide for you to learn to configure and install a printer from any device; Just think about the possibility of printing a document from your Android phone or iPhone. Until recently it was unlikely, but now it is completely possible and when you finish reading this article you will learn how to do it without complications and as quickly as possible .
Index:
Steps to install and configure a printer on your computer
Here, first of all, you should have the manual of your printing peripheral at hand. The other thing you should look for is the device drivers or drivers. If you don’t have it, what you should do is download it from the internet, go to Google and type “ X model printer drivers “. These are the minimum elements necessary to connect to the PC.
The complexity comes from the fact that each brand, or even each model, has its own configuration. In this case, it is better to consult the installation manual supplied by the manufacturer.
Connect directly wirelessly to a Windows computer
In most cases, there are only two ways to convert a normal printer into a network printer; via a cable connection or a wireless connection . For the first, connect the equipment to the router using an Ethernet cable, so after following the instructions of an assistant you can have it operational.
Now, the installation of a network printer is a bit more complex. If your network is well configured, the peripheral must be recognized automatically. Here are the steps:
- Go to control panel and select « Devices and printers «.
- Once there, select « Add printer «.
- Click on « Add printer on wireless network «. Windows will then try to identify the device on the network. In Windows 8, the operating system searches for local and network hardwares. So you don’t have to worry about anything: it’s automatic .
- Windows may ask you to install the hardware drivers. Make sure you are connected to the Internet and then click on “ Install driver ”.
Once the driver is installed, you can print everything you want. If you don’t have Internet connection , use the installation CD: the wizard will guide you.
Install the Apple printer to the network
Is one that does not belong to a single computer, but can work from several computers at the same time . That’s why the installation is a bit complex, especially because of the permissions since some old printers can’t connect to the network.
I recommend you, carefully read the instructions to install Apple hardware directly to the network. It is a bit more complicated. Many have their own connection and configuration modes. But the process is relatively simple if done with meticulousness.
On the manufacturer’s website you will always find a link that will allow you to download the specific instructions for your device. Next, the steps to install it on a network are as follows :
- Click on the Apple menu and once there select « System preferences «.
- Select « Printers and scanners «
- Then, click on the «+» button to find new ones.
- Then click on the « Default » tab in the upper left. Select your network printer.
- Click on Add (Add) «. This is now managed by the operating system: you should be able to print any document from your computer.
Configure to be shared by several computers in Windows
Sometimes the terms are confused between network and shared printers . The latter is a connected to one of the computers on the network and can be used by all members of the network , which means that the computer in question must be turned on in order to print. To create a connection of this type, follow the steps below:
- Open the Start menu. Type “ Residential group ” in the “ Search ” field. Press the enter key to confirm.
- Create a new residential group if necessary. To do this, click on the “ Create residential group ” button. If the residential group already exists, simply join it. The Windows 7 Starter (for miniportables) and Home Basic versions do not allow the creation of a residential group, but do allow you to join an existing network.
- Make sure the peripheral for printing is shared. When creating your residential group, you must enable sharing in the menu. Therefore, in Windows 7, make sure that the printer checkbox is checked.
- Enter the password that I use for the residential group.
- Open the Residential or home group control panel from the computer to be printed. Click on the residential groups menu, in exactly the same way as before, that is, by starting the Start menu.
- Join the residential group created. Next, you must enter the password that allows you to access the network.
- Click on “ Install Printer “. This action allows you to install the one that is shared on your computer. If they are not present, you will be asked to install the drivers. Click “ Next “, the rest is automatic.
Once installed, it will be as if the printer was connected directly to your computer. The only limitation is that the computer must be turned on and connected to the network. You can now print .
This process is very similar as sharing on Windows. Here you must be clear about the concept of a shared printer . You must connect it to one of the computers on the network and as always, we refer you to the first part of this article about the installation.
- Click on the Apple menu. Select « System Preferences «.
- Select the option « Share «. You can then modify the sharing settings that already exist on your device.
- Check the “ share printer ” box. This option allows other network members to use those that are connected to your computer.
- Check the “ printer verification ” box to share. The hardware can be used from other computers on the network.
- Open system preferences. Do it on the computer from which you want to print. Preferences are in the Apple menu. To use it from this computer, you must include it in the list of printers on this computer.
- Select “ Printers and scanners “. Next, you will see those currently connected to the network.
- Click the + button. You can then add all you want.
- Select it using the Default Printers tab. If you are on a computer running Windows, click on the Windows tab.
- Click Add. Your network peripheral will be installed on the second computer , you can print from any program. The host computer must be turned on and connected to the network.
How to add and connect your printer to your Android mobile device?
Well, the time has come, from your Android device, you can print from any printing device , which is excellent news. Many users are dreaming of this possibility. Imagine printing photos, documents, messages. Now it is a reality. Let’s get into the matter, then the steps:
- Connect your printer to your computer.
- Start Google Chrome and access your Google account (with your Android smartphone, you must have a Google account).
- Go to “ Settings ” by clicking on the 3 vertical dots that are on the top right.
- Then you go « Advanced options » and look for the option « Print «.
- Select the name of the mobile device .
- Swipe to the “ On ” position and press OK.
Finally open an application from which you want to print and then touch Options . Ready, you can now print from any application that has the printing function on your Android smartphone.