How do I connect two computers to one printer

[mmuhs]

Hello All...
Realizing this is probably a basic thing for most of you, but not so for me. I have two laptops, both running Windows XP Home. I have two printers that I would like to connect to both computers. How can I do this? Am I able to do this with what I have already....which is a linksys router for my DSL internet connection. A 4 port usb hub. Any help would be appreciated as need to have this connection running soon and live in an area where getting any type of equipment may mean a drive of 70+ miles. :confused:

mmuhs

[degsy]

Welcome :)

At the moment you would have to attach the Printer to a PC and then network it.

This means that if one PC wanted to use the printer then the PC the printer is attached to would have to be turned on.

Your other option is to purchase a Print Server that you can plug into the router.

http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=&Section_Id=201487&pcount=&Product_Id=193850

[mmuhs]

Thanks for the info Degsy. Do you mean that if both computers are hooked up in the linksys router for the internet connection, I'll be able to network them? Or is there something else I'd need to have to network the two computers together. There is a possibility of the two computers not always being there. They are both laptops and we take them each with us at different times for various jobs. If I network them, do they each have to be there to use the printer. I'm guessing the one that is the main computer housing the printer would have to be there for the second one to be able to initialize it.

Thanks for the patience with my limited knowledge. :happy: I appreciate the information.

mmuhs

[degsy]

It sounds as though you want a Print Server. The one linked above has two printer ports.


You plug the print server into the Router.
When the PCs are connected to the Router they can use the printers.