Hooking 2 computers to a printer

pbdr

pbdr

New Member
I have an HP 3330 mfp printer. Currently it is hooked to my work computer through the USB port and shared with the other computer on my home network through my router.

I am wondering if I can just hook the second computer to the printer directly through the printer cable port (can't recall the name)? This would be at the same time as the work computer is connected through the USB port.

The reason would be to allow me to use the printer when I am not working (I turn off the work computer because itis a somehwat loud laptop, and frankly I don't want to be remined of work).

thanks
 
I believe that the printer would become confused and wouldn't be able to necessarily do that (that is, hook up to both the parallel and USB)... However, there is a 2x1 peripheral switch that you can buy that is specifically designed to hook up 2 computers to one USB device. That should do the trick!
 
pbdr said:
Currently it is hooked to my work computer through the USB port and shared with the other computer on my home network through my router.
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Starwarsman said:
I believe setting up a network with a router would work as well.
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;)

You could also get an intelligent printer switch, which is what I use. It automatically lets 2, 4, or 6 computers print to one printer, simultaneously if necessary. However, for USB they are dang expensive.
 
DCIScouts said:
The only way that would work is if the printer was network capable, which I don't think that this one is. Otherwise, you'd have to get a network adapter and then hook it up...
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No, you just share the printer from one computer, like he said that he is currently doing.
 
Bobo said:
No, you just share the printer from one computer, like he said that he is currently doing.
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Well, then what would be the point of suggesting something he is already doing??? If he wants to have the printer accessible on the network while the gateway computer is off, he would have to have the printer hooked up to a network printer adapter. Which is what the original question was...
 
DCIScouts said:
Well, then what would be the point of suggesting something he is already doing???
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I didn't suggest it, that is what I was trying to ask.

If he wants to have the printer accessible on the network while the gateway computer is off, he would have to have the printer hooked up to a network printer adapter. Which is what the original question was...
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Exactly. Which is why I pointed out that what starwarsman said wouldn't work, and suggested the IPS.
 
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