Some laser and ink cartridge printers come with multiple interfaces. Look around
the edge of the printer for places that cables plug into.
Most of the connectors (besides power) represent the different
interfaces a printer supports. All types have distinctive
features that are illustrated.
If a laser and ink cartridge printer comes with multiple interfaces, the next question
is how are they used. For example, suppose that a printer
comes with three different inter-faces: serial, parallel,
and video. The first question is, "Does the printer
listen to all three interfaces simultaneously, or does it
listen to one at a time?" Most printers listen to only
one interface at a time. These printers are configured using
switches or jumpers usually hidden in the hack of the printer
or underneath the lid. It may not be easy to flick a switch
to change from one inter-face to another. Recently, manufacturers
are starting to put the interface selection option on the
front panel. This option performs the same effect as a manual
switch box. Suppose that a printer has a serial port and
a parallel port. Hook PC number 1 to the serial and PC number
2 to the parallel. When PC 1 wants to print, walk over to
the printer and configure it to pay attention to the serial
port. When PC 2 wants to print, configure the printer to
pay attention to the parallel port
If a printer has more than one interface, figure out
how easy it is to switch between them. If the switch is
on the front panel within easy reach, you will not need
a manual switch box.
Some printers have the capability to scan multiple ports
on a first-come, first-serve basis. The busy printer can
behave as though it is out of paper or off-line to the second
computer. In addition, some printers can enable the operating
system to control scanning through commands sent to the
printer.
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