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Configure for TCP/IP
Step 11: Install drivers for network printing
After you have assigned and verified the TCP/IP settings, you are ready to install the
printer on each network computer.
Windows In Windows environments, network printers can be configured for direct printing or
shared printing. Both network printing methods require the installation of a printer driver
and the creation of a network printer port.
Supported printer drivers
• Windows system printer driver
• Custom printer driver
System drivers are built into Windows operating systems. Custom drivers are available
on the drivers CD.
Supported network printer ports
• Microsoft IP port—Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and
Windows Server 2003
• Printer network ports—Windows 95/98/Me, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000,
Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003
For basic printer functionality, you can install a system printer driver and use a system
network printer port, such as an LPR or a Standard TCP/IP port. The system printer
driver and port let you maintain a consistent user interface for use with all the printers
on your network. However, using a custom printer driver and network port provides
enhanced functionality, such as printer status alerts.
Follow the steps for your printing configuration and operating system to configure your
network printer:
Printing configuration Operating system Go to page...
Direct
• Printer is connected directly to the network using a network cable, such as Ethernet.
• Printer drivers are typically installed on each network computer.
Windows 98 SE,
Windows Me, Windows 2000,
Windows XP, or
Windows Server 2003
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Windows 95,
Windows 98 (First Edition)
Windows NT 4.0
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Shared
• Printer is connected to one of the computers on the network using a local cable, such
as USB.
• Printer drivers are installed on the computer attached to the printer.
• During driver installation, the printer is set up to be “shared” so that other network
computers can print to it.
Windows NT 4.0,
Windows 2000, Windows XP,
or Windows Server 2003
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