Connecting two computers to one printer

[Hightower]

As the title suggests, how do I do this easily. I want to use the printer on both computers even if one is switched off. I haven't a home network and was thinking along the lines of a twin USB to printer cable. Is this possible or do I need to buy a USB hub or some sort of switch gear?

[thomas]

I use a wireless box that the printer plugs into so it sits on the wifi network.

[Boats&Outboards]

I have two PC (4 if you include the iPad/iPhone) running to one PC but they are all on a wifi connection. If your printer has that facility it's a doddle. You can even email your prints to some printers and it simply stores them until able to print or prints them remotely. Mine is a cheap HP printer. I think it also has the "air print" option for iPhone/iPad

Peter ~ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[James Slatter]

Do you have a broadband router with any available cat5 ports ? If so you could get an hp USB jet direct print server box and make it a network printer.

[Hightower]

Sorry guys, be basic in what you type Computers for Dummy here

I have a broadband Router that both desktops are plugged. It is a wireless router, but I'm only using the wireless feature for my Laptop and that very rarely gets used at home.

I want to shy away from having the printer on a network because you have to have all computers working to be able to print from one.....Is that right??

I just kind of want a USB cable that plugs in to both computers and whichever the computer that I'm wanting to print from send that to the printer.

[ukprometheus]

I may be making things sound complicated but if you have need for a backup device maybe you could consider a small NAS say a readynas duo and you can plug your printer into that and use it as a print server for the home network

or you could just change your printer with one that has an ethernet port
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Epson-SX515W.../dp/B00292X5IQ
plug it into the router install the driver and away you go

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by ukprometheus

I may be making things sound complicated but if you have need for a backup device maybe you could consider a small NAS say a readynas duo and you can plug your printer into that and use it as a print server for the home network

or you could just change your printer with one that has an ethernet port
Epson Stylus SX515W High-Speed All-in-One Printer with Individual Inks and Wi-Fi: Amazon.co.uk: Computers & Accessories
plug it into the router install the driver and away you go

I've just spent £500 on a new computer, are you seriously telling me I'll have to fork out another £80+ so that I can have the convenience of using one printer with both PC's.

I'll just stick to plugging the Single USB cable in to whichever computer I want to print from

[ukprometheus]

have you checked to see if your current printer has an ethernet port or is wireless capable
what model is your current printer

[Hightower]

No it's a basic PCS. Epson stylus SX130

[Hightower]

Would something like this work? It's the sort of thing I was looking for.

2 Port USB 2.0 Printer Scanner Auto Sharing Switch Box | eBay

[SIBer]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Would something like this work? It's the sort of thing I was looking for.

2 Port USB 2.0 Printer Scanner Auto Sharing Switch Box | eBay

Yes
Or just swap the cable when you need to print.

[ukprometheus]

cant say i have ever used one but if it does what it says on the tin you should be fine.
remember you will also need an "A to A" usb cable to connect the switch and standard printer usb cables are "A to B"

Originally Posted by Hightower

Would something like this work? It's the sort of thing I was looking for.

2 Port USB 2.0 Printer Scanner Auto Sharing Switch Box | eBay

[Poly]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Would something like this work? It's the sort of thing I was looking for.

2 Port USB 2.0 Printer Scanner Auto Sharing Switch Box | eBay

Yes.

Originally Posted by Hightower

Sorry guys, be basic in what you type Computers for Dummy here

I have a broadband Router that both desktops are plugged. It is a wireless router, but I'm only using the wireless feature for my Laptop and that very rarely gets used at home.

I want to shy away from having the printer on a network because you have to have all computers working to be able to print from one.....Is that right??

I just kind of want a USB cable that plugs in to both computers and whichever the computer that I'm wanting to print from send that to the printer.

You don't need both computers on to print with your current set up (via the router). You just need the one with the printer connected turned on.

Your other option would be to get a small cheap ethernet print server, Something like this:

TP-Link TL-PS110U Print server - Hi-Speed USB

You connect it to your a spare port on your router and then anything on your network (wireless or hardwired) will be able to print to it if set up correctly.

[ukprometheus]

nice suggestion there POLWART

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by Polwart

Your other option would be to get a small cheap ethernet print server, Something like this:

TP-Link TL-PS110U Print server - Hi-Speed USB

You connect it to your a spare port on your router and then anything on your network (wireless or hardwired) will be able to print to it if set up correctly.

That would have been Ideal, however when my 4 port wireless Router gave up two weeks ago, I was sent a replacement but with only two ports in which to plug my desktops So I have no spare port in which to plug this box of marvels in to.

[ukprometheus]

for an extra fiver add one of these too then will give you some spare ports.
TP-Link TL-SF1005D Switch - 5 ports

[Hightower]

Price is going up, so's the amount of clutter on my Desktop too .....I hate Computers......Well love/Hate

[Hightower]

Do I dare ask about 4way Surge protection?

[ukprometheus]

Originally Posted by Hightower

Do I dare ask about 4way Surge protection?

have you not had enough confusion for one evening

[Hightower]

Originally Posted by ukprometheus

have you not had enough confusion for one evening

Yes, I'm off to bed to dream about wireless Toasters!