3.6 Given a scenario, deploy & configure multifunction devies/printers & settings Flashcards
2 common printer types are for SOHO use?
Inkjet & laser printers
4 factors to consider when choosing a printer?
- Speed (Pages Per Minute (PPM))
- Max resolution
- Paper handling
- Additional features/functionality
Additional features include automatic duplex for double-sided printing and a finisher unit for folding, stapling, and hole punching. These can come built-in or be purchased separately as add-ons.
What is the speed of a printer measured in?
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
You’ll see different speeds quoted for different types of output. i.e. pages of monochrome text will print more quickly than color photos
What is a printer’s resolution measured in?
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
What does the printer’s resolution determine?
Output quality
Printer dots and screen pixels differ; multiple dots reproduce one pixel. Pixel dimensions use PPI. Vertical and horizontal resolutions vary, like 2400x600. Horizontal resolution is set by the print engine; vertical resolution is set by paper handling.
What does a printer’s paper handling mean?
The sizes & types of paper a printer can load
Printer versatility is key. Handling labels, envelopes, card stock, and more is crucial. Paper capacity matters in high-volume settings to prevent jams. Low-capacity trays can lead to frequent jams in busy offices.
3 ways a printer can connect to a computer/network?
- USB
- Ethernet
- Wireless
What printer connectivity is considered “plug & play”?
USB
With USB, the OS usually detects the printer using Plug & Play & installes the driver automatically
What to do if a print driver isn’t auto-downloaded during setup?
Manually install it or coose a driver supporting the specific PDL
PDL = Page Description Language
A PDL converts print commands into a detailed raster file (A dot-by-dot description of where the printer should place ink), supporting scalable fonts, vector graphics, and color printing.
What is a Page Description Language (PDL)?
Language that describes the layout & content of a printed page
It translates the content from a software app into a format that a printer can understand & reproduce accurately
3 features Page Description Languages (PDLs) support?
- Scalable fonts
- Vector graphics
- Color printing
2 types of Page Description Languages (PDLs)?
- PostScript
- PCL
Meaning of PCL
Printer Command Language
What PDL is common for professional desktop publishing & graphical design output?
PostScript
Between PostScript & PCL, which PDL is faster?
PDL = Page Description Language
PCL
What PDL do many Windows print devices default to?
Microsoft’s XML Paper Specification (XPS)
What are the 2 main configuration dialogs for a printer in Windows?
- Printer Properties
- Printing Preferences
What does a printer’s Properties dialog allow you to do?
Configure software & hardware settings
“E.g. updating driver, changing ports, sharing, permissions, basic device options (duplex/finisher units), & default paper types for trays.
What does a printer’s Preferences dialog allow you to do?
Set the default print job options
E.g. paper type, orientation, color settings. Changes can be made per job via Print dialog properties or printer’s management software.
What does the Paper/Quality tab in a printer’s preferences allow you to do?
Select paper size/type & ink-saving mode
You can also use the Color tab to select between color & grayscale printing
2 ways to share a printer?
- Connect printer to the network
- Share printer via computer print server
The print server can connect to the printer via USB or network, providing admin control over client connections. Printer permissions can restrict job submissions to authenticated users
How is a printer share configured through a Windows PC?
Using the Sharing tab in the printer’s Properties dialog
Drivers for different OSs can also be made available so that clients can download & install the appropriate driver when they connect to the print share
What does it mean if a printer supports a “type 3” driver for Windows printer sharing?
Same driver works for clients on different Windows OSs
It simplifies setup & eases managing printer drivers across diverse OSs
Windows 10 adds support for type 4 drivers, aiming for a universal driver framework. Specific device drivers are obtained by clients from Windows Update instead of the print server.
What does it mean if a printer supports a “Type 2” driver for Windows printer sharing?
Each version of Windows requries its own driver
This means that for each different version of Windows on the network, a separate driver will be needed to ensure compatibility with the printer
