Introduction to Network Printing 27
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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
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.
Peer-to-Peer printing
Client-Server printing
Server
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