AARP Tax-Aide Sonoma/Napa District Bill Dornbush, TC Guide to Printer Sharing.
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Transcript of AARP Tax-Aide Sonoma/Napa District Bill Dornbush, TC Guide to Printer Sharing.
AARP Tax-AideSonoma/Napa District
Bill Dornbush, TC
Guide to Printer Sharing
This session
Copy of presentation is on the web site:http://www.aarpca2.org/tcreferences
Interactive – please Share your problems and solutionsYou may know 90% of this, but you may learn the 10%
that makes this season easierRevised based on comments during the discussion
All methodsPLUS
Once configured, good for season as long as configuration doesn’t change
MINUSPrinter driver must be loaded on laptop for each printer
typeRight version for OS, bits (32/64)Those with personal laptops may have difficulty
switching between default printers – and networks
Types of sharingPrinter switch or networkLaptop server or printer serverWired or wirelessThere is as much that is the SAME between these
methods as there is DIFFERENT
Parallel Port Switch
ParallelSwitch
Parallel Port SwitchObsolete: many laptops and printers don’t have
parallel portsPLUS
No software or hardware changes neededNo network is required
MINUSYou must have parallel portsYou may need to operate switch to change laptopsCables are required – setup, safety issueLimited to 4 laptops per printer
USB Port Switch
USB Switch
USB Port SwitchObsolescent: There are better waysPLUS
Simple: No software or hardware changes are neededMINUS
You must operate switch to change laptopsYou must use the same USB port each time to avoid
duplicate printers in WindowsCables required – setup, safety issue
Use BLUE or GREEN MASKING tape to secure cables to floorLimited to 4 laptops per printer
Wired Network
Network Switch ??
Switch vs. RouterSwitch: Connects network devices together.
Routes packet from one device to another based on the data packet destination.
Cannot connect its LAN to another networkRouter: Switch and more:
Has a gateway to the Internet or another LANMay provide DHCP server, firewallMay provide wireless access point
Wired NetworkLaptop hosts printer, orPrinter Server hosts printerGreat choice for Client/Server TaxWisePLUS
No network configuration neededSecure and stableNetwork manages print queue
(all network configurations)MINUS
Requires (router or switch) and cablesPotential safety hazard
Wireless Network
??
Wireless NetworkLaptop hosts printer, orPrinter Server hosts printerPLUS
No cablesEasier setup of site each session
MINUSRequires router (dedicated or Quetec type)Must configure each network deviceNetwork may not be stable or may experience interference
Try using other WiFi channels than the default 6 (set on router)Security issues
Best practice: Use best encryption available WPA2 -> WPA -> WEP
WEP/WPA Security
WEP security has been cracked: For 50% of cases, in one minuteFor 95% of cases, in two minutes
WPA security has been cracked, but it takes a lot longer
WPA2 security has not yet been crackedTo improve security:
Turn off SSID broadcasting Use MAC security as well
Laptop Server (wired/wireless)
Two-laptop network
NetworkCrossoverCable
USBCable
Laptop serverApplies for both wired and wirelessLaptop serving printer may be different from laptop
serving TaxWise or networkPLUS
No additional hardware neededMINUS
Laptop must be present at each sessionSetup may be tricky due to laptop:
printer sharing security issues: Windows, firewallLoad right OS/bit version of driver from server laptop to client
laptop
Printer Server
Server
Printer server Printer server can be wired or wireless
Network can be wireless and printer server can be wired Some routers include printer server via USB port
Both USB and parallel port models are available Printer server can be built-in to printer Network can be wired or wireless PLUS
Not dependent on laptop, so setup is easier: no security issues because of laptop
MINUS Extra device (printer server) needed Configuration is a little different, uses “Standard TCP/IP Port” Built-in may not be usable with future versions of Windows
Daily startup for wireless printingInsert and/or enable wireless adaptorConnect to the wireless networkCheck default printer for Windows is set to the
site printerCheck default printer for TaxAide is set to the site
printerPrint a test page
If you only use your laptop for TaxAide, your settings should not change from session to session. Otherwise, CHECK EVERY TIME.
What if it doesn’t print?Is everything plugged in?Did you change any software on your laptop? A new
version of your firewall or security software, for example.Try disabling your firewall and try again
Try printing from another application to WindowsIf you can print from another application, check the
TaxWise setup
Network RouterCheck the site router (box or laptop)Make sure that Status and WLAN lights are blinking (if
this site has a router based network). If this site uses one laptop as the router, check its
status (Quetec > Manager > Tools > Status)
Network SecurityCheck that your wireless security is set properly (how
to do this varies by type of laptop and network adaptor, usually right-click on Wireless Network Icon in System Tray and select Status > Properties.)SSID: carol (NOT Tax…)Network authentication: OpenData encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2Network key: taxaidetaxaid (or similar 13 characters)
What else?Laptop hosting shared printer – Make sure it is on the
network. When you position the mouse pointer over the Wireless Network Connection icon in the system tray (lower right of the computer screen), you will see a message like “Wireless Network Connection (carol), status connected.”
If the laptop hosting the shared printer has Firewall software, confirm that the firewall allows access to the shared printer. To see the firewall settings, use:
Start > Settings > Control Panel > Security Center
Shared printerShared printer – in the
Printers window, it must have the “shared hand” symbol at the bottom of the printer icon
If all else fails…Turn off all devicesPower up in sequence:
RouterLaptop/Server hosting printerPrinterYour laptop
RecommendationsSet up and configure printer sharing arrangement
BEFORE the first day of counselingInstall printer drivers before distributing laptopsIf wireless network, install wireless adaptors before
distributing laptopsPrepare your sites for wireless problems – they will
probably experience at least one during the seasonTrain them on how to troubleshootUse one person at each site as contact so that they will
acquire experience troubleshooting with you
Discussion