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Remote printing is a functionality in which a computer can be used with a remote printer. Remote printing lets users use their printer for printing documents saved on the remote computer they are accessing. Similarly, they can use the host computer to print to the remote printer.
Many third-party remote printing applications are readily available in the market. However, users can easily set up the remote printing feature in their operating systems (OSs) without employing a specific application.
Techopedia Explains Remote Printing
In the business world, remote printing is considered a substitute for faxing. On-the-go users are able to send files across a proprietary network or the Internet to printers in an office, removing the necessity to carry a printer as baggage.
In addition, many hotels offer remote printing facilities, particularly those having wireless LAN connections or high-speed Internet in guest rooms.
Ways to set up remote printing include:
- Using a wireless printer – Virtually all modern printers are network printers, which let users connect to their network through Wi-Fi. Once the connection is established, they can use the corresponding driver on every computer, which allows every computer on the network to print to that printer.
- Sharing a printer via local network – Windows enables users to share printers among computers set up in their local network. This option is perfect if the users have a local printer that is connected to their computer by means of a USB. Once the printer sharing feature is set up, the printer operates just like a networked printer. Provided that the computer the printer is associated with is switched on, any other permitted computer connected to the network can print to it.
- Using Google Cloud Print – Google Cloud Print is a remote-printing solution offered by Google. Google Cloud Print is compatible with various new printers. If a printer is not compatible with Cloud Print support, it can be done by configuring Google Cloud Print in Google Chrome.
- Using a virtual private network (VPN) – A VPN can be used to access standard network printers if the user is away from the local network. Once a connection between the user’s computer and the VPN is established, the users can print to the available printer as if they were on the same local network.
