Chapter 2 - Printing

By using Windows NT Server as your network print server, you have a seamless way to print, no matter what operating systems your networked computers use. If your workstation computers are running Windows NT 4.0, network printing is as easy as "point and print." For Windows NT and Windows 95 workstation computers, you don't need to install a printer driver manually on the workstation computer before printing with Windows NT. Print resources seem to be provided automatically from each application.

Note Although you can certainly print locally from a Windows NT Server print server, this chapter concerns itself primarily with remote printing and regards the Windows NT Server as a dedicated print server. For information about printing locally from a print server, see the Windows NT 4.0 Workstation Online Resource Guide.

This chapter begins with a glossary of terms used throughout the rest of the chapter. The glossary is followed by an overview of the Windows NT printing process and the flow of control. After you have a clear picture of the printing process and are comfortable with the terms, you can move on to read in-depth descriptions of each component of the printing architecture based on the network protocols and operating systems of your networked computers. The chapter concludes with sections on print security, troubleshooting, and some common questions and answers.

For additional information about printing with Windows NT Server or Windows NT Workstation, refer to the following documentation.

Documentation Source

Descriptions

Microsoft Knowledge Base

An effective and consistent resource for troubleshooting printing problems.

Microsoft Technet

Microsoft White Papers, TechEd, and other articles are available on the Microsoft Technet CD.

Support Fundamentals for Windows NT, Chapter 13, "Printing with Windows NT"

A Microsoft Press self-paced training manual.