Archive for January, 2011

If you have an HP inkjet printer connected to a Windows computer or network, you may encounter a svchost.exe error message that will appear on your computer screen.  This error usually coincides with the CPU, or processor, being completely occupied at 100%.  When the problem is related to your printer, it is generally caused by the HP Network Devices Support service.  It is important to understand that this error message may appear as a result of Windows updates, which are unrelated to your printer.  You can download a utility called Process Explorer to help you identify the root of the error. Continue reading “HP Printer Svchost.exe Error” »

These days, so many machines on the market have multiple purposes that it is rare to find someone solely looking for a copier.  But if you are in need of a copy machine for the office, it is important to understand what features you should be looking for to determine the best device for your needs.  Here are a few of the primary characteristics: Continue reading “Choosing a Copy Machine” »

When using a Windows operating system, a service known as a print spooler is designed to help you manage your tasks.  Not only does this service organize multiple print jobs, but it also processes each one in order without overwhelming the printer’s memory.  The spooler coordinates the print queue, where you can delete and manage your tasks.  For instance, if you send a 20-page job to your printer and as it waits in the spooler, you realize you only have enough HP 02 Black ink for 10 pages, you can access the spooler and cancel the order. Continue reading “Reset Print Spooler” »

When shopping for a printer for your home or office, there are a number of choices to think about, from speed and capacity to features and functions. One of the most important aspects of a printer is how you will connect to your computer and other devices to make printing and other functions as easy as possible. A networked office might be best served by a wired ethernet connection, while home users might prefer the ease of printing without wires, for example. Here are the most common connection options for a printer, and some of the pros and cons of each.

Parallel and Serial

Parallel and serial connections were some of the earliest technologies for connecting printers. They offer a reliable connection, but they are limited on speed, and most modern computers no longer offer these ports, making them essentially obsolete.

USB

USB, or Universal Serial Bus, was designed as a replacement for older technologies such as parallel and serial, offering faster transfer speeds and easier setup. USB has the advantage of Plug-and-Play technology, which allows a computer to recognize the device and even search for drivers in some cases, and just about every modern computer on the market supports the protocol. USB 2.0 and the newer USB 3.0 standard offer even faster speeds, as well as backwards compatibility. The downside of a USB connection for printing is that it is limited to only one computer or device at a time. Continue reading “Printer Connection Options” »

A printer driver is a piece of software that helps your computer and printer communicate. Since a printer and computer use different programming languages, the printer driver is necessary to provide a translation. When you are installing your new HP LaserJet P1006 printer, you will need to install a printer driver prior to printing with your HP CB435A toner, in order for it to work properly with the computer. It can also be useful to reinstall the driver when troubleshooting communication problems. There are a few different methods for installing the driver, depending on whether you are doing it within Windows, using a software CD, or using a downloaded driver file.

Installing a Driver with a CD

Most printers come with a software CD that includes the printer driver as well as additional software that will help you get more from your device. This is the easiest method, but the drivers may be a bit outdated. For more updated drivers, choose the downloaded file method below. For most models you are told to install the software before connecting the device, while others direct you to connect the printer first. Consult the manual, if possible, to find the correct order for your model. Continue reading “Installing a Printer Driver” »

For busy offices, it is essential to have a reliable printer that can keep up with the fast pace, handle the daily volumes and still fit within the confines of a tight office budget.  There are a number of manufacturers that are putting quality products on the market, but what should you be looking for if it is your job to find the best? Below is a list of some of the key elements that enterprise machines should include, as well as the reason each feature is important to the success of your office: Continue reading “Big Business Printers” »

Laser printers have fairly simple printing systems that generally use either one or four toner cartridges.  If it is just one, that means it is a monochrome printer and requires only black toner.  If there are four laser printer cartridges, each will hold one of the four standard colors- cyan, magenta, yellow and black.

Inkjet printers, however, can be a bit trickier.  Since inkjet printers are often used for photo printing, manufacturers have begun to utilize even more colors to produce a wider color gamut.   So over the years, the standard inkjet system that required only two cartridges has expanded up to eight cartridges for some models.  Typically the fewer the cartridges, the less precise the quality, most inkjet printers are capable of producing solid text and clear graphics. Continue reading “Multiple-Cartridge Systems” »