sharing usb printer

[blu at vl.com (Tom Metro)]

Jon Masters wrote:
> Stephen Adler wrote:
>> ...could I plug the printer into the hub, and the two PC's into the
>> same hub, and have independent access to the printer?
> 
> ...I don't see how the machines would correctly
> enumerate that USB bus - I don't see how it would work.

I'd second that.


> Does anyone /know/ differently?

The fact that specific devices for sharing USB peripherals exist, such as:

USB 2.0 Peripherals Sharing Switch, IOGEAR GUB201, $50 MSRP
http://www.iogear.com/main.php?loc=product&Item=GUB201

would lean me in the direction of saying it is impossible without such a 
device.


>> The other possibility is to get a network print server box, which I'm 
>> sure would do the trick as well.
> 
> They're cheap here in the UK...

A few weeks ago someone posted a link to a print server selling for 
around $30. Its an all around better solution than the device above, 
unless the printer has some special functionality (like a scanner or ink 
level detection) that won't work through a print server. The sharing 
switch requires pushing a button on the device (I think) or using a hot 
key via their Windows/Mac-only software to specify the active computer. 
A print server would be automatic, support more users, and OS independent.


>> I don't want to get into a situation of having to support this guy...

If you're the one who acquires and installs the sharing device - be it 
USB or a print server - you still might end up being the go-to person if 
things don't work, so the no cost Samba solution might be just a good.

  -Tom

-- 
Tom Metro
Venture Logic, Newton, MA, USA
"Enterprise solutions through open source."
Professional Profile: http://tmetro.venturelogic.com/

-- 
This message has been scanned for viruses and
dangerous content by MailScanner, and is
believed to be clean.