Hi -

I have two PCs running Windows XP Pro at work. I want to "network" them so that they may share a Laser Printer for Word processing only. THERE WOULD BE NO INTERNET CONNECTION.

What is the simplest way to do this? With ethernet cable or do I need crossover cables?

Thanks for your help in advance!

Chad

You need to have ethernet cards in both computers. Then you can connect them with either crossover cable (directly from one to the other) or with regular cat5 cable into a hub.

If this doesn't fit your needs, post back.
-SN

Assuming you have Ethernet Adapters installed on both computers...

The easiest way without buying new equipment:

Use crossover cable to connect computers and install the printer on one of the computers, also enable printer sharing. Youll have to set up simple networking protocols too(File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks). Then install print driver on the other computer and install it over the network.

The drawbacks of doing this is the computer that has the printer must be ON in order for the 2nd computer to print.

The BETTER but costly option:

Buy a HUB and a Network Print Server(this is not another computer but a small device that links a printer to a network See Link Below). Total cost around $80 - 100 maybe cheaper. You connect the printer to the Print Server the Print Server to the Hub. Then the two computer also get connected to the hub and presto! Install software for printer on both computers, install Network Printer. Both computers then can use printer no matter if any of them is OFF.

LINK TO PRINT SERVER:
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/Category/category_slc.asp?Id=1609

PS - Or buy another Printer LOL

Hey -

Thanks for all of the help!

And Dan - a second printer was my suggestion to the boss also, lol.