USB HUB?

Jethro wrote:
> I have a USB printer and two machines. Can I connect that printer to
> a USB hub, and then connect both machines to that same hub, and then
> print from both machines to the one printer?

Nope.

> I am trying to avoid manually switching wires to allow the two
> machines to print on the one printer (which I do now).

The simplest way to do this is to install the printer on one of the
machines, then share it. Any computer networked to that computer should
then be able to use it. Some caveats:

1) Most, but not all, printers can be shared on a network. Unsharable
printers, in my experience, tend to be older (a few years at least) so
you'll probably be ok.

2) Not all features of the printer are necessarily available when using
it from a networked computer. In particular if you have one of those
all-in-one printer/scanner/fax machine doodads, you will likely not get
the full software install when you add the shared printer to your
networked computer. This isn't necessarily bad because printers tend to
have overburdened helper applications in my opinion, but it might cut
that computer off from some feature you consider essential.

3) The computer that is actually physically attached to the printer must
be on and operation for any networked computers to use that printer.

If caveat #3 is a problem, you can look into print servers. They permit
you to just put the printer up on the network without any dependency on
a computer. (Some printers can just do that by themselves.) I've
considered this option, but have been reluctant because the
manufacturers of those print servers are pretty catty about vouching for
their hardware's ability to work with a specific printer.
 >> Stay informed about: USB HUB? 

Jethro wrote:
> I have a USB printer and two machines. Can I connect that printer to
> a USB hub, and then connect both machines to that same hub, and then
> print from both machines to the one printer?
>
> I am trying to avoid manually switching wires to allow the two
> machines to print on the one printer (which I do now).
>
> Thanks
>
> Jethro
Why don't you just network the machines in the traditional manner then
you know it will work? You an use a router and setup a network with file
and print sharing.
 >> Stay informed about: USB HUB? 

On Tue, 31 Jul 2007 22:31:35 -0500, ProfGene
wrote:

>Jethro wrote:
>> I have a USB printer and two machines. Can I connect that printer to
>> a USB hub, and then connect both machines to that same hub, and then
>> print from both machines to the one printer?
>>
>> I am trying to avoid manually switching wires to allow the two
>> machines to print on the one printer (which I do now).
>>
>> Thanks
>>
>> Jethro
>Why don't you just network the machines in the traditional manner then
>you know it will work? You an use a router and setup a network with file
>and print sharing.


Over the course of a couple years, buying a networked print
server (or router/etc with one built in) might pay for the
energy saved by not having to keep the 2nd system running.
The other desirable alternative is to buy a printer with
integral network adapter, these days it seems some of the
laser printers are priced more proportionately to how much
toner is included than anything else, so the cost might be
negligable over several years (if a printer that is
cost-effective to operate is chosen).
 >> Stay informed about: USB HUB?