[aldo_14]

I'm just wondering this here, because I want to link up a printer - via a laptop - for remote use on my little local network, as the USB cable is too short to easily switch it between machines

Preferbly also to get the scanner on remote, but that's not so important.  Anyways, I'm wondering if anyone knows about setting up remote access to these things, either directly through another computer or using some low-impact server software.

[Martinus]

[color=66ff00]I thought the printer did most of the work itself?

Is it wireless or wired? What make/model?
[/color]

[kasperl]

Go to Windows printer settings, right click on the printer, click 'share'.

If you're running firewalls inside your LAN, I wish you the best of luck. But if you can share files without an FTP client/server, you can share a printer.

[aldo_14]

Originally posted by kasperl
Go to Windows printer settings, right click on the printer, click 'share'.

If you're running firewalls inside your LAN, I wish you the best of luck. But if you can share files without an FTP client/server, you can share a printer.

That simple?  Neat.

Although I've never tried shared folders or the like yet; never had to

[kasperl]

Assuming all PC's run some flavour of Windows, off course. It might work with Samba as well, but I haven't tried that.

Also, this is assuming you've got a local network set-up already. (A windows network, with all PC's in the same workgroup.) To get the printer recognised by the other PC's, you'll need to install a new printer using the wizards, and select  "Install a network printer" or something to that effect.

It's easy as anything if you're not running a firewall, but the same goes for filesharing. And right now I'm running an FTP server just so I can reach my MP3's on another computer on the same LAN. Thanks for the help, windows SP2.....

[Stealth]

yeah just locally sharing it is your best bet, especially if the computer it's hooked up to is using 2000/XP.

note that if you ever shut the computer down, people won't have access to the printer anymore.  if you require access whether the printer's on or not, you need to buy a JetDirect or something similar (basically a NIC for the printer)

[aldo_14]

It's a (my dads) work printer, natch, so I'm stuck with the thing .

But I think I can sort it out easily enough, cheers.  I'll have to give it a pop over the weekend.