What is a printer server?

I set up a home network connecting my old Gateway computer (Windows 98) to a new Dell machine (XP and designated as the server machine) through a DLink router. Everything works great except that when my wife tries to print from the Gateway she has to un-select the "Print Off Line" box in the printer drop down menu. Is this because I do not leave the Dell (server) turned on all the time and that we only turn it on when she wants to use the Gateway?

This question was answered on November 28, 2003. Much of the information contained herein may have changed since posting.

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Well if your printer using a NIC interface card then you can print even if other computer is off, but if you have printer that has a parallel port or USB port, and you want to share it then you need a computer that is connect to your printer so you be able to share printer with other and must be on whenever other computer want to print This is most likely a printer sever where all the printer job goes to the computer that is hookup to the printer either a USB cable or parallel cable and then goes to the printer.

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Posted by Student of Katharine Gibbs School - New York on November 28, 2003

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