Embarassingly easy computer question

[SnapAddict218]

Gaa. No one laugh. I'd rather be upfront about the fact that I have *no* idea about computer stuff. Seriously. I had the directions laid out and the help desk all queued up when I installed my wireless mouse- just in case!

OK, I'll start off really general and let you guys ask the leading questions. We have a printer connected to my BF's computer, it's not installed on mine. Now, inorder to print from my laptop I have to install the printer (duh), but can I print wierlessly or not? What else do I have to do?

*runs and hides in shame*
:o :o :o

[Bright_Star]

You can print wirelessly BUT you have to load the printer software that came with your printer & then your laptop will need to "find" the printer & once it does that then you'll be good to go.
BUT before I forget, does your laptop have a wireless card? Without that, you can't print wirelessly.

[Fashion Lad!]

You can't just have wireless connection, your computers need to be networked. You don't have to install the software from the printer onto your laptop, we didn't for the printer on our network.

Basically, you should be able to go under "network" in your start menu, and you should see your boyfriend's computer. You should be able to access the files in his computer too. Then whenever you want to print, find his printer and hit print.

[Pedersen]

Steps to take:

On BF's computer:

Get into the Control Panel
Go to Printers
Right-click on the printer, and click "Sharing"
Turn on "Share this printer"
Give it a name. Just BF_Printer will be fine.
Click OK and close windows until you are back to the desktop
[LIST]

On your computer
[LIST=1]
Get into the Control Panel
Go to Printers
Click "Add Printer"
Choose Network Printer, and hit next
This part I'm a little fuzzier on, but you and your BF should be able to get through it. Basically, browse your network to find his computer, then double click on it, and double click the printer
Keep clicking next and ok until you are done.


That should be a pretty comprehensive list. Hopefully enough. If not, say so (and why!) and I'll help again :)

[BookstoreEscapee]

I can answer your question ("yes" :)) but I couldn't begin to tell you how! And I only know the answer is yes because we have 2 computers in my house and one printer, and I can print from the laptop upstairs, even if I have it unplugged in my room, to the printer in the basement. I have my own personal help desk...it's called Dad (or in a pinch, Brother).

[powerboy]

I had the same problem. After, I saw this thread, I was finally able to get the help, that I needed

[sms001]

Gaa. No one laugh. I'd rather be upfront about the fact that I have *no* idea about computer stuff. [snip]*runs and hides in shame*


Pedersen's reply should get you there, but wanted to tell you that this ISN'T a total newbie question - not advanced, but not "Is it plugged in?" either. I would talk an established client through it on the phone no charge, but would have no qualms about charging a newer client to set up networked printing. So don't hide in shame :) Think about how many REAL newbies don't even know this is a possibility!

[Seshat]

Pederson's reply should get you there IF you're already networked.

If you're not already networked, you'll need to network the two machines together. And that brings up a heap of other questions (wired or wireless? What security will we use? which type of network?...)

[SnapAddict218]

*furrows brow* How do I know if we are networked (with out looking obviously)? Is that something we would have done when we installed the wireless router?

I'll try setting this up when I get home, and I'll let you know how it works. Thanks for your suggestions, and if you think of any more, SHARE THEM!! :)

[Pedersen]

If you're sharing an internet connection (two computers, one cable modem or one dsl modem), you're networked enough. Naturally, there's no upper limit to how much can be done to claim "you're networked", but you'll be fine with what you've just said.

Basically, give it a shot. Worst thing that can happen is that I didn't give enough instructions, and it doesn't work on the first try :)

[trunks2k]

If you're sharing an internet connection (two computers, one cable modem or one dsl modem), you're networked enough.

Not necessarily. If BF's computer is hooked by a physical cable into the router, and Snap's computer is wireless, then they are likely on separate networks. I know LinkSys routers tend to do that. Snap's computer may have 192.168.2.XXX address, while her BF's computer may have a 192.168.1.XXX address. If this is the case, they might not be able to see each other in windows' networking without doing some other setting up.

[SnapAddict218]

...If BF's computer is hooked by a physical cable into the router, and Snap's computer is wireless...

YES! thats the case. Now All I have to go is open my network places and see if I see his computer?

[trunks2k]

YES! thats the case. Now All I have to go is open my network places and see if I see his computer?

Yeah, but I doubt you'll be able to see it. I've tried to do wired and wireless computers before, and they don't seem to like to network together as easily as they should.

[Pedersen]

If you don't see it, let me know, either here, PM, or IM (see profile). Windows can be somewhat annoying with the Windows networking crossing subnets, but I do know how to do it. I just don't want to jump into those details up front, since they are moderately technical, and likely to scare you off.

And, if you doubt, ask MadMike. He can tell you that I know enough about networking to solve these sorts of things :)

[Shabo]

If your router is set up to assign a static IP to the BF computer, you could use the IP address as a means of locating the printer. Or the computer name. I'm not really sure about whether that will work or not, since I don't really do this sort of thing often, but I have set up a shared printer once, and that's how I mapped the connection. It also required setting up a username and password on the computer that the printer is connected to, but that's not a big deal.

[Cutenoob]

Know what would be smarter?

Get a print server. Linksys, at BB or such store. It's a small box you connect to backside of printer by USB or such, and then connect to router.

That way anyone on the network (assuming all units are given addressing by router only) WITH permissions, would be able to access printer.

Cutenoob

[Pedersen]

If you have seen one of these for $50, please let me know. Every time I've gone looking, they have cost $140+.

[Cutenoob]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16833122028

:)

Cute

[carlyn]

Bob? is that you? ;)

Gaa. No one laugh. I'd rather be upfront about the fact that I have *no* idea about computer stuff. Seriously. I had the directions laid out and the help desk all queued up when I installed my wireless mouse- just in case!

OK, I'll start off really general and let you guys ask the leading questions. We have a printer connected to my BF's computer, it's not installed on mine. Now, inorder to print from my laptop I have to install the printer (duh), but can I print wierlessly or not? What else do I have to do?

*runs and hides in shame*
:o :o :o

[draggar]

Solution:

Get the HP 2575. It's network ready (RJ-45 in the back) PLUS you get a brand new Printer / Scanner / Copier! :D

One important fact that I tink has been missed, if your BF is running XPor Vista, check the security settings to allow your laptop access to his computer (fo rthe printer) and set the printer up as a shared printer.

[SnapAddict218]

Bob? is that you? ;)

No, just the Addict of Snapping ;)


Thanks for all the suggestions folks, but I don't want/cannot afford to buy anything. Our printer is brand new any way (and pretty nice). I didn't get a chance to get on his computer with the forums up on my laptop last night. Hopefully tonight. :)