There are two kinds of computer printers: network ready printers and printers that attach to an individual computer. Network ready printers have network cards built in, or attach to a print server, so they are immediately available to computers on a network. Installing and using a network ready printer is easier than sharing a printer from a single workstation.

Most types of printers, including standard laser or inkjet, can be placed on a network. There's a wide choice of printers available when you're ready to buy. Network ready computer printer features to look for include:

1. Wireless network ready, all-in-one printers, laser, inkjet and dot matrix printers;

2. Various printer features geared toward the size of the workgroup and the type of print jobs;

3. Options for making a printer network ready, including an embedded network card or a print server.

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Find dot matrix network ready printers

Dot matrix printers are impact printers. One benefit to using these printers is that multiple copies can be printed at once using carbonless or carbon paper. They are used primarily in financial and retail environments.

I recommend: If you're looking for a network ready dot matrix printer, consider an Okidata, available from Tiger Direct, Super Warehouse and other Internet retailers. Another network ready dot matrix printer is the Epson Fx-2190N, available at eofficedirect.

Get a wireless network ready printer

An advantage of using a wireless network ready printer is that it can be placed in locations where network ports are not available. This makes it more flexible and convenient to install.

I recommend: Hewlett Packard offers several wireless network printers and provides a wireless printer comparison chart to help choose the right printer. Brother International also provides wireless printers that are a great choice for small workgroups.

Get a network ready inkjet or laser printer

There's a wide variety of network ready computer printers. Brands vary in function and price.

I recommend: Hewlett Packard is one of the most popular network ready computer printer brands and offers a large selection of inkjet and laser printers. The HP buying guides list printers by function, paper handling and other information to help you find the right printer. Panasonic offers enterprise class network printers with multiple functions including printing, scanning, copying and faxing, at various sizes and prices for all types of businesses and workgroups. Epson Stylus Pro printers, available from CDW, are ideal for photographic printing, including wide format printers for commercial printing environments.

Use a print server to create wired or wireless network ready printers

A print server is a small device that can make a printer network ready, even if the printer does not have a built-in network card. The printer attaches to the server with a USB or parallel connection, and the server connects to the network. Another type of print server is a card that is installed on compliant printers.

I recommend: Netgear has a wide selection of wired and wireless print servers. HP offers a number of internal and external print servers.

Tips & Tactics to Make Your Computer Printer Buy

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  To use a network ready computer printer, it must be installed on each workstation. You can do this either by attaching it to a server that functions as a print server or installing it as an IP printer on individual computers.