How To

How to Set Up a Laser Printer in a Home Office

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By eHow Contributing Writer
(0 Ratings)

A printer is an essential part of your home office and setting one up is a snap. So let's get started.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Laser printer

    Laser Printer Setup 101

  1. Step 1

    Set up your computer on your desk so that you are able to plug in your printer and other accessories in an orderly way. The PC is the center of your home office and all things should be setup in relation to this. Consider how you’ll run cables before selecting a location.

  2. Step 2

    Assemble your printer. Few printers are ready to go out of the box. Open it up carefully and pull out the quick setup instructions. This usually entails affixing trays and installing toner and drums.

  3. Step 3

    Decide on a method. Wired or wireless? Wireless will save you a lot of hassle but if you are on a tight budget wired does the job as well.

  4. Step 4

    Install the drivers. Insert the CD that came with your printer into your computer and install the drivers before connecting your printer.

  5. Step 5

    Connect with cables. Using a USB cable or a parallel cable, connect your printer to your computer. USB cables have a trapezoid shaped plug on the end that goes into the printer and a rectangle shaped plug that goes into the computer. Parallel cables will have holes on the computer end and pins on the printer end.

  6. Step 6

    Connect with Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. When a laser printer is Bluetooth or Wi-Fi ready, simply find it with your computer by discovering it in the “add printer wizard." If not, then invest in a Bluetooth print adapter. You can find these at most stores and they are available for USB, flash and PC expansion.

Tips & Warnings
  • Be sure to check your documentation for any special installation or setup instructions.
  • You can download drivers from the Internet too. Visit the manufacturer’s Web site and click “Support.”
  • Multifunction printers that do it all can save you money and add convenience.
  • Home offices are rarely covered by home owner’s insurance. Be sure to add passkeys for your network and install up to date virus software.

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