MIS420-Chapter 3 Using a Network Printer

What's So Special about Network Printing

Ports and printer configuration

Most computers have one parallel and two serial ports
DOS assigns LPT1, LPT2, & LPT3 to the parallel ports
LPT1 can also be refered to as PRN
DOS assigns COM1, COM2, COM3, & COM4 to the serial ports
To print, the software must be configured for your printer
To use more than one printer, each must be attached to a separate port.
Windows 95 has a Printers section under Start|Settings to add printers

Redirecting Printer Output

Can set up to 3 printer redirections at once LPT1 is usually the local printer can set up batch files to handle redirection Spooling and the print queue

Spooling - storing the current job in a buffer as it is being printed
Print queue - collection of print jobs waiting to be printed
Print job - document to be printed and its settings

Setting Up Printer Redirection

Novell Netware - CAPTURE Q=LJET TI=10; ENDCAP
Windows for WorkGroups - Control Panel | Printer Manager | Printer Setup
Windows '95 - Start | Settings | Printers

Sending Output to a Network Printer

Novell - must redirect before entering application
Windows - list of printers appears within the application
DOS - depends on the application

Playing with the Print Queue

Netware - use PCONSOLE
Windows for WorkGroups - use PrintManager to hold (pause) and can move document's up/down
Windows '95 - use Printers to hold (pause) printers or documents and to move documents in the queue

What to do when the Printer Jams

Take the printer off line
Remove jammed paper
restart the job (some printers) will automatically reprint
Put the printer back on line