What are two disadvantages of sharing a directly connected printer from a computer? (Choose two.)
- The computer sharing the printer uses its own resources to manage all the print jobs coming to the printer.
- The computer directly connected to the printer always needs to be powered on, even if not in use.
- All the computers using the printer need to use the same operating system.
- Other computers do not need to be cabled directly to the printer.
- Only one computer at a time can use the printer.
The two correct disadvantages of sharing a directly connected printer from a computer are:
- The computer sharing the printer uses its own resources to manage all the print jobs coming to the printer.
- The computer directly connected to the printer always needs to be powered on, even if not in use.
Here is a detailed explanation of these two disadvantages:
1. Resource Utilization by the Host Computer
When a computer shares a directly connected printer with other devices on the network, it essentially becomes a print server, taking on the responsibility of managing all print jobs. This arrangement has significant implications for the resources of the host computer, including its processing power, memory, and network bandwidth:
- Processing Power: Each print request from networked computers is processed by the host computer before sending it to the printer. Processing print jobs, particularly for large or complex documents, can be demanding on the CPU. The host computer must receive the data, process it into a format the printer can understand, and then manage the queue for printing. This workload can slow down other applications running on the host computer, especially if it is handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Memory Usage: Managing multiple print jobs requires sufficient RAM. For instance, large documents with graphics and images may consume significant memory, especially if several print jobs are queued. If the host computer’s RAM is not adequate to handle the load, it could slow down, affecting not only the printing process but also other applications. In extreme cases, limited memory could lead to crashes or unresponsiveness.
- Network Bandwidth: The host computer needs to manage data transfer between itself and the printer, as well as between itself and the client computers on the network. Multiple, simultaneous print requests or large files being sent for printing can consume significant network bandwidth. For smaller networks or older routers with limited bandwidth, this increased data traffic can lead to congestion, causing slower internet or network performance for other users.
The drain on resources from this setup is often not an issue if the printer is used occasionally or for small jobs. However, for offices or environments with a high volume of printing, this setup can heavily impact the host computer’s performance. Users may experience slower response times, lagging applications, or even crashes if the computer’s resources are insufficient to handle the additional load of print job management. The fact that the host computer must manage the print queue for other users is a key reason why this setup may not be ideal for high-demand printing environments.
2. Dependency on the Host Computer’s Power State
Another significant disadvantage of a directly connected shared printer setup is that the printer’s availability is entirely dependent on the host computer’s power state. For any networked device to access the printer, the computer to which the printer is directly connected must be powered on and functioning. If the host computer is turned off, in sleep mode, or encounters a technical issue, the printer becomes inaccessible to other users. This dependency can lead to several operational challenges:
- Availability Issues: Because the printer is only accessible when the host computer is powered on, users are reliant on that computer’s status. If it is turned off or in sleep mode, the printer cannot be accessed by others on the network. This situation can be frustrating for users who may need to print something quickly but find that the host computer is not accessible.
- Energy Consumption: Keeping the host computer continuously powered on increases energy consumption. While one computer may not consume a significant amount of power on its own, the cumulative effect over time can add to operational costs. For businesses focused on energy efficiency or environmentally-friendly practices, this arrangement may not align with their goals, as keeping a host computer powered on 24/7 can lead to a larger energy footprint.
- Maintenance and Downtime: If the host computer needs maintenance, software updates, or troubleshooting, the entire printing system could be temporarily out of service. Additionally, if the host computer experiences technical issues or crashes, it can disrupt printing services for the network until the problem is resolved. Even planned maintenance could cause a temporary loss of access to the printer.
Because this setup requires the host computer to be powered on at all times for the printer to be accessible, it can be less reliable in situations where multiple users need flexible, uninterrupted access to printing. Users often find that this dependency creates inefficiencies, especially in environments where high availability of printing services is critical.
Alternative Solutions to Overcome These Disadvantages
To address these disadvantages, users and organizations can consider several alternative solutions that remove the limitations of host-based printer sharing:
- Network-Ready Printers: Modern printers with built-in networking capabilities can connect directly to a network via Ethernet or Wi-Fi. This setup eliminates the need for a host computer and allows users to send print jobs directly to the printer. Since the printer is a standalone device on the network, it is not dependent on any single computer, offering more reliable availability and reducing the demand on any individual computer’s resources.
- Dedicated Print Servers: A dedicated print server is a device that manages print jobs independently, without relying on any individual computer’s resources. Print servers are commonly used in larger offices where the volume of print jobs is high, allowing for more efficient handling of print requests and reducing strain on computers used for other purposes. With a dedicated print server, users do not have to worry about availability or power issues, as the print server is designed for continuous operation.
- Cloud Printing Services: Services like Google Cloud Print (until it was discontinued in 2020) or other third-party cloud printing solutions allow users to send print jobs over the internet to a printer connected to the cloud. While this approach may not be as common in smaller offices, it offers flexibility and can support users working remotely or on different operating systems without requiring a direct connection to a printer. This solution can be a practical option for users who need mobile or remote access to printing.
Conclusion
In summary, sharing a directly connected printer from a computer presents two main disadvantages: resource utilization by the host computer and dependency on the host computer’s power state. The former affects the performance of the host computer due to the demands of managing print jobs, while the latter limits the availability of the printer, as it is reliant on the host computer being powered on. Recognizing these disadvantages is essential for choosing the right printing setup. Depending on the needs and scale of the environment, network-ready printers, dedicated print servers, and cloud printing services offer viable alternatives to mitigate these issues and ensure more reliable, efficient access to printing resources.