2 G4's sharing printer

[kentucky]

We have 2 G-4's, 1 b/w LaserJet 8100 & 1 Epson 1270 Color Printer. We tried using usb's & hubs, but we can only print from 1 machine. So now we are trying to use print sharing. We don't have a network. But if sharing is on, on 1 computer the other can print. Is there not an easier way? I know they make USB hubs with switches but they are expensive and the company I work for will not buy one. Can anyone help?

 

[Claude72]

Hi

USB hubs are only to plug any devices on ONE computer, you cannot use them to connect two computers.

To share your printers,
- either you make a network between the two computers and then you share the printers connected to the first computer (which must always be on) with the second computer,
- or you make a network between the two computers and the two printers (with an ethernet hub that connects the 2 computers and an ethernet/parallel hub, hope your printers have parallel port!!!)
- or you manually unplug the USB printer from one computer and plug it to the second computer...

Claude

 

[kentucky]

Thanks for the info. We tried print sharing, but I didn't know that the hubs didn't work with 2 computers. But know we tried your 2nd suggestion, no hubs just ethernet and print sharing and so far it seems to be working.

 

[SYQUEST]

USB hubs and equipment are NOT for networking. If you want to network you have to use ETHERNET to network computers, printers, switches, AIRPORT, etc.

Hope this helps!

....JIM....