How to Connect Various Computers to 1 Printer

Computers that are connected by a Local Area Network (LAN) are a group of computers that are configured to share data and various connections, including Internet.
You must have a router installed to set up a Local Area Network, and then each computer included in the network is connected via the router.
Computers that are connected by a LAN can easily be configured to share hardware, including printers. Here are some simple instructions for configuring a printer for use on a LAN.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer Network Printer

Adding a Printer to a Computer Network

1. Open the Control Panel on the computer that is physically connected to the printer. Look for the "Printers and Faxes" icon for Windows XP or the "Printers" icon for Vista. Double-click on this icon and you should see the printer that you want to share listed.
   Right-click on your printer and then select the "Sharing" option.

2. Find a "Sharing" tab within your printer's Properties. Name your printer for the purpose of sharing. Choose a simple name and click "OK" when finished.

3. Add the shared printer on every computer connected to the network that will be using the printer. Open the Control Panel and select either "Printers and Faxes" (XP) or "Printers" (Vista). Select "Add a Printer" and then select "Add a network, wireless or Bluetooth printer."

4. Find your printer on a list of results that Windows returns to you and select it. This should complete the process of adding your printer to your network system. The printer should now appear as a printing option when you select the option to print something.