Hi there, me again. Looks like nothing is ever free, eh? To recap: I have been given a laser writer 12/640, and I have been poking around to find out about how well it works and how to use it, etc. Here's what I now know:
1) It has a parallel port, an Ethernet port, and a LocalTalk port which I believe is the same as the old serial printer port. 2) My computer has two FireWire ports, two USB ports, an Ethernet port, and an ADB port. The ADB is being used by the keyboard/mouse; the USB by the current printer and the scanner, and the Ethernet by Comcast. 3) The manual says to use the LocalTalk port to connect to a stand-alone computer. No can do, since there is no such port on the computer. 4) Many have told me that Ethernet is the way to go. No can do, since Comcast got there first. 5) Okay, some friends say, get a cheap hub and a second cable and you're set. But they then go on to say that I would have to assign an IP address to the printer for that to work. How would I do that? And does the printer have the capability of taking an IP address? 6) In order to assign said IP address I would have to know the IP address of my computer. But I believe that Comcast assigns me an IP address dynamically so there's no way to assign one to the printer that way. Well, they say, get a router...that way I can have my own IP network behind the firewall and Comcast won't care. But this is now getting way more complex that I want. It's just a printer, after all, and the whole point is to avoid spending any more money than I absolutely have to. 7) I suppose I could get a serial-to-FireWire adapter, or a serial-to-USB adapter, or a serial card or a second Ethernet card. Or something. Per one friend, even a new cheap laser printer. AACK! What's a mother to do? I firmly believe in the KISS system. Plus I'm obviously a cheap SOB. I-just-want-to-use-the-"new"-"free"-printer. That's all. How should I proceed? ************ A somewhat frustrated Bill Spencer in somewhat autumnal NH B&W G3/400/rev.2/385mb/9.1 -- G-List is sponsored by <http://lowendmac.com/> and... Small Dog Electronics http://www.smalldog.com | Refurbished Drives | -- We have Apple Refurbished Monitors in stock! | & CDRWs on Sale! | Support Low End Mac <http://lowendmac.com/lists/support.html> G-List list info: <http://lowendmac.com/lists/g-list.shtml> --> AOL users, remove "mailto:"; Send list messages to: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To unsubscribe, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> For digest mode, email: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subscription questions: <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Archive: <http://www.mail-archive.com/g-list%40mail.maclaunch.com/> Using a Mac? Free email & more at Applelinks! http://www.applelinks.com
