2 Printer to 1 Computer (XP Pro)

[yaswantkhatri]

I have been try to get a auto printer switch for my PC. Every where I go they tell such switches are not available. If they do the not compatible with xp.

Any solutions, mate?

Propbably printer server?

 

[VIPER_1069]

!??!? !?!?

With xp you should just be able to connect 2 USB printers and away you go no special hardware or anything as usb is AUTO configured !?


only problems i can see is if you only have 2 USB ports and more than 2 USB devices is lack of USB ports !?

Which is easy fixed with a USB HUB

if there parallel printers then you need a switchbox or a printer server as you suggested

 

[LTR12101B]

You can also connect Parallel-only printers to USB with a USB to Parallel interface.
I presume you can also get extra printer ports on a PCI card - though not as cheap as the old ISA cards were.

 

[yaswantkhatri]

!??!? !?!?

With xp you should just be able to connect 2 USB printers and away you go no special hardware or anything as usb is AUTO configured !?


only problems i can see is if you only have 2 USB ports and more than 2 USB devices is lack of USB ports !?

Which is easy fixed with a USB HUB

if there parallel printers then you need a switchbox or a printer server as you
suggested

You are absolutely right in the case of USB printers. Howeever, I have parrallel connections in both printers - one is Brother laser and the other is Epson Dot Matrix. To make it complicated I'm using Toshiba Notebook.

I'm having problems in locating a parrellel switchbox. How do I use a printer server in this case.

 

[yaswantkhatri]

You can also connect Parallel-only printers to USB with a USB to Parallel interface.
I presume you can also get extra printer ports on a PCI card - though not as cheap as the old ISA cards were.

It's a Toshiba Notebook. Can't add extra ports. Is it possible to get a Parrallel to USB converters? how about drivers then!

 

[scarecrow]

Parallel port switchers, manual or automatic, are available anywhere in the world. Same applies for USB hubs...
Surely enough where you live too, unless it's South Pole.

 

[yaswantkhatri]

Parallel port switchers, manual or automatic, are available anywhere in the world. Same applies for USB hubs...
Surely enough where you live too, unless it's South Pole.

I got your point....Thanks

 

[LTR12101B]

Belkin have a USB to parallel adapter..
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=20651

Generic models (eg. EBUYER own brand) can be considerably cheaper - or you can also find one ($10 more at Belkin) which provides a full set of ports (Parallel, KB, Mouse, Serial and a USB hub as well).

The port uses it's own drivers, and most Printers should be able to work through any Windows-supported port.


Not seen a 1:2 switch at Belkin, only the other way round - 2 computers to one printer, though 2:2 crossover switches are around, and could probably be used as a 1:2

For a print server, you would have to network it to (say) an old desktop, serving the printer(s) connected to it - you can get broadband routers which combine a network print server, or standalone Ethernet print servers with 1 or 2 parallel ports.

Chepest option would be a manual switch, though I seem to recall some objection to "live" switching.

 

[yaswantkhatri]

Belkin have a USB to parallel adapter..
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Merchant_Id=1&Product_Id=20651

Generic models (eg. EBUYER own brand) can be considerably cheaper - or you can also find one ($10 more at Belkin) which provides a full set of ports (Parallel, KB, Mouse, Serial and a USB hub as well).

The port uses it's own drivers, and most Printers should be able to work through any Windows-supported port.


Not seen a 1:2 switch at Belkin, only the other way round - 2 computers to one printer, though 2:2 crossover switches are around, and could probably be used as a 1:2

For a print server, you would have to network it to (say) an old desktop, serving the printer(s) connected to it - you can get broadband routers which combine a network print server, or standalone Ethernet print servers with 1 or 2 parallel ports.

Chepest option would be a manual switch, though I seem to recall some objection to "live" switching.

Thanks Mate....