Sharing a printer without more hardware

[ajbrun]

I would like to know if it's possible to share a printer between two computers that are right next to each other. We have been just taking the cable out of one, and pluging it into the other, but is there an easier way?

My Computer
The is the newest. It has windows XP, and a plug for a network cable (i think) at the back.

The Other One
The is about 5-6 years old. It has windows 98, and no networks plug thing.

Would it be possible to share a printer either over the internet, or through a USB cable, (or someother way) without buying extra hardware such as a printer server?

Thanks - if it's not possible, then I'll just have to keep swapping the cable

[Flibb]

You could get a network card for the 2nd pc and connect them by a a crossover ethernet cable. You should be able to do that for £10 all in, you would also be able to share the internet connection. Only downside is you would need the pc with the printer to be turned on when the other pc wants to print. You must get a crossover ethernet cable not a straight one.

so

THIS

AND THIS

[ajbrun]

Yeah - I'd really like to do it without a network card. My parent (who's PC it is), and especially my dad, says we have no need for a network card etc. Therefore, I don't want to mess around with their computer much.

I was thinking more along these lines: I know that ou can remotley operate windows XP computers over the net (i think). I just thought that maybe you could do a similar thing, but just to share a printer. I also know I could just send the file over the net (via MSN messenger, but that takes too long). Could this be done with a USB cable?


I very much doubt it this will work, but I though it wouldn't hurt to ask .

[Flibb]

Are both pc's connected to the net at the same time?

[ajbrun]

Yes - they can be. One can have a 56K, while the other zooms along with a nice broardband connection .

[Flibb]

Never done that one myself, you can get a cable to connect 2pc's together using usb.
http://www.beststuff.co.uk/hama_usb_network_cable.htm
havent used myself, somebody here might have.

[Flibb]

Dont run off and buy that one yet trying to check it supports printing

[ajbrun]

Hmm - It seems OK and stuff, but for the times we use the printer, £14.99 seems a lot. I might just not bother. Instead, I'll probably end up buying by own printer, because my computer will be moving upstairs in a few weeks. This was only meant to be a VERY low cost and short term solution.

Thanks anyway.

[Flibb]

ignore