pcg said:
A technical networked my two computers. Later, now, I am trying to add a
printer to the one that's not the server...Do I directly plug in a USB cable
to LPT1 and if so, where is it?
LPT1 is a parallel port. USB is a serial port. Two entirely different
things.
On tower case computers, rectangular USB ports are typicaly located on a
panel a few inches below the ventelation fan on the back of the
computer. Many models have additional USB ports on the front panel,
often behind a small cover panel. The 25 pin parallel port is usually
located on that panel below the ventalation fan. Late model
notebook/laptop computers might not have parallel ports unless you add a
model specific port extender or dock made by the computer's manufacturer.
The printer end of a USB cable is normally a squarer shape than the
computer end. The port might be located anywhere on the printer. Some
printers include additional ports resembleing those on the computer so
that the printer can act as an extention for you to connect other USB
devices.
A computer new enough to run Windows XP probably has USB ports on the
back or front panels. If you wish to use your printer's USB capabilities
you should connect the printer's USB cable directly to one of the
computer's USB ports. If your computer AND printer are both equiped with
parrallel interfaces you can connect the 25 pin parrallel port on the
back of the computer to the Centronics compatable parralel port on the
printer with a parallel printer cable available at most retail computer
and chain office supply stores. USB A to B cables are typicaly available
from the same sources if your printer didn't include one.
Check the printer documentation for instalation instructions. MANY
printer models require the user to install software BEFORE connecting
the printer to the computer. The manufacturers normally include DETAILED
illustrated instructions with the printer.
