IT:FAQ:NetworkPrinterSetup
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Network Printers
All Platforms
- You must register your printer with ICT to get an IP number. They will need your name and location, and the MAC or hardware address of the printer.
- The MAC (Media Access Converter) address takes the form of six hex pairs, like this: 00-0E-7F-FB-74-B7.
On HPs it is written on the network card itself and is printed on the test or configuration page.
Windows
First, some terminology. To Microsoft, if not the rest of humanity, a 'network printer' is one physically attached to a computer and then shared. It then will be visible in Windows's network neighbourhood.
For the rest of us, a network printer is one connected directly to a network wall socket.
- If it is a new printer, you should use the CD that came with it which should have an install program
- Older printers can usually be installed from Windows as follows:
- Start>settings>Printers and Faxes
- Add Printer
- Select 'Local printer attached to this computer' Don't argue, just do it.
- Select 'create a new port > TCP/IP port'
- Give the IP address of the printer obtained from ICT earlier. The system should pick up the device at the other end.
- You can then add the printer at the port you just created in the usual way
Apple
RedHat Linux
- Applications>System Settings>Printing
- New>give it a name>..>
- Network type is CUPS - You could use JetDirect if it's an HP
- Type the printer's IP number in the 'server' box
- In most cases just using Postscript for the printer type will work fine.