Need help installing a network printer.

[Brock_Landers]

I have a Lexmark Optra R. it has 2 ports: a parallel and a serial. I can hook up the parallel through another copmuter. What I want to do is hook up the serial to a hub. I already have the serial to rj45 adapter so I can plug cat 5 cable into it. How do I set up the software part or what needs to be set up on the printer thru the menu system?

[qmanchu]

I don't think what you're trying will work. In order to share a printer, you usually need one of the following:

- An internal print server which may look like an internal expansion card for the printer.

- An external print server -- either standalone or integrated with other equipment like some of the home broadband routers.

- A shared printer attached to a machine with print sharing enabled which should allow any other machine on the network to print to it.

Depending on how the last option is implemented, some may not consider it a print server in the truest sense but it will get the job done.

All of these options have their advantages and disadvantages as far as ease, cost, and configuration are concerned. If I'm wrong about any of this, I'm sure someone will correct me. ;)

[DREDD]

I just ordered a print 3 port parallet to rj45 print server and 2 parallel printer cables and a 5port ethernet switch for $125 shipped :-)

pricewatch is my friend