Giving domain users access to print server

[deik313]

Hi All...
I finally broke down and got a Netgear print server to use in our school, and I was wondering if someone could answer a question. (I called the manufacturer and they couldn't help me!)

I connected the print server and installed according to the instructions. I connected each computer to the print server according to the instructions. BUT, I installed the printer on each computer using the Administrator account on the domain. Now, how do I give the domain users that log into each computer access to the printer? I know this is a silly question, but I just want to make sure I do it right this time. Do I go through the "Add a printer" wizard again, and go through the steps to install the printer again? Do I have to do this on every account that logs in to that computer? Do I select the printer from the print server, or from the local machine? Or, is there some way to just give the appropriate access so that the icon shows up in every users' "Printers and Faxes" folder?

Sorry for the ignorance...thanks for any help...
Dei

[deik313]

Never mind...I figured it out. The printer actually does appear in each users' Printers and Faxes folder, and they all have access to it (although it is not the default printer). BUT, I do have another question...

The print server wizard added the printer to each machine as a local printer (the print server showed as a port). When I have connected other printers, I have added them as network printers, using the "Search for printer on the network" option from the Add Printer panel. What is the difference between adding as a local printer vs. network printer, and which one is better?

Thanks for any replies!
Dei

[putasolutions]

Not the perfect answer, but without going into really graphic detail, a local printer is usually connected directly to a workstation and is usually not shared

A Network printer is connected to a network, and is usually shared amongst a number of workstations

[deik313]

I realize that, but the print server software actually installed the printer appearing as a port on the local machine, whereas when I've connected a computer to a printer, I select the option to browse for a network printer, and add it that way. (The print server chose the option to browse the local ports, and the printer appeared there). I don't understand that difference. Physically, yes, I know that a local printer is attached locally to the machine, and a network printer is on another machine on the network, but there is a way to make a network printer actually look like a local port. I just don't understand why you would want to do that.
Clear as mud?
Dei

[Mulder]

Installing a local printer (or one mapped to a local port) will make the printer available to all users who logon. A network printer connection made by a user is user-specific.

So mapping to a local port is an easy way of installing a network printer for all users of a machine.

[deik313]

Thanks! That explains it...!
Dei

[deik313]

Oops...I forgot to ask...
Can anyone tell me how I would go about mapping a network printer to a local port? The print server software did it for me, but I don't have installation software for the other printer that I want to connect.
Dei