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Introduction to Network Printing
Network Printing Configurations
Networks consist of computers connected together to share information and resources, such as printers. On a “client-server” network, client computers send print jobs to dedicated server computers that control the use of each printer. On a “peer-to-peer” network, dedicated servers are not used. Instead, each computer is configured to send print jobs to the printer directly.
Figure A-1 Basic Network Printing Configurations
Peer-to-Peer printing
Server
Client-Server printing
Client-server printing is typically used in medium to large networks where dedicated servers are used to manage printing needs of many users. Client-server networks use network operating systems (NOS) such as Novell NetWare and Microsoft Windows NT/2000 Server.
Peer-to-peer printing is more suitable for smaller networks. On peer-to-peer networks, each user configures his Microsoft system to print directly to the printer.
ENWW | Introduction to Network Printing 27 |