For Windows users setting up and sharing printers on Windows Computers, the process is simple. On Ubuntu or Kubuntu the process is also very easy. Zeroconf and print sharing let you browse the local network for available services. Both are now simple to setup and maintain requiring nothing more than checking a box to enable the feature.

This tutorial will show you how to setup and connect your Ubuntu or Kubuntu computer to a shared printer on Windows XP or Vista.



Creating the Printer Share On Windows

1. Make sure the Windows computer that you will share the printer from has a printer installed and is functioning.

2. Next, share the printer on your XP Computer by clicking on Start \ Settings \ Printers and Faxes.

On Vista, click on Start \ Control Panel \ Printers.

Then right click on the printer and select Properties. In the Properties window of the printer, click on the Sharing tab.

NOTE: Screen shot is from XP, and all configuration will be similar on Vista.

3. Click on the Share this printer radio button and enter a Share name. Click OK when finished.

Additionally you will want to find the IP Address of your computer, by clicking Start \ Run (on both XP and Vista) and in the Run box, type cmd.

At the command prompt, type ipconfig and make a note of the IP Address.





Setup Printer In Ubuntu

1. Logon to your Ubuntu computer and click on System \ Administration \ Printing from the menu on the Panel.

2. In the Printers window, double click on New Printer.

3. Then in Step 1 of 3, select Network Printer for Printer Type (arrow) and select Windows Printer SMB (circled). If an Authentication windows pop-up, click Cancel until it's disappears.

Enter the IP Address (from Step 3) in the Host field, and share name of the printer (from Step 3) in the Printer field. If neccassary enter the Username and Password you use to log on to your Windows Xp computer. Click Forward to continue.

4. In Step 2 of 3, select the Manufacturer from the pull down arrow, then printer model. Make sure recommended appears in the Driver field. Click Forward to continue.

5. In Step 3 of 3, enter a Name, Description, and Location if necessary. Click Apply to finish.

The printer will now appear in the Printers window. To test, either print a document or right click on the printer, select Properties and click on the Print a Test Page button.

To view the printer queue, double click on the printer.





Setup Printer In Kubuntu

1. Logon to your Kubuntu computer and Click on K Menu \ Settings \Printing.

2. In the Printers window, double click on New Printer.

3. Then in Step 1 of 3, select Network Printer for Printer Type (arrow) and select Windows Printer SMB (circled). If an Authentication windows pop-up, click Cancel until it's dissappears.





Enter the IP Address (from Step 3) in the Host field, and share name of the printer (from Step 3) in the Printer field. If neccassary enter the Username and Password you use to log on to your Windows Xp computer. Click Forward to continue.

4. In Step 2 of 3, select the Manufacturer from the pull down arrow, then printer model. Make sure recommended appears in the Driver field. Click Forward to continue.

5. In Step 3 of 3, enter a Name, Description, and Location if neccassary. Click Apply to finish.

The printer will now appear in the Printers window. To test, either print a document or right click on the printer, select Properties and click on the Print a Test Page button.





To view the printer queue, double click on the printer.

You are now able to print in Ubuntu or Kubuntu to a shared printer in Windows. Just make sure the Windows computer is running when you want to Print. If Windows is not running the print job will remain in the queue in Ubuntu or Kubuntu until the Windows computer is back online.