UPGRADING REPAIRING PCs

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Chapter 7—Parallel Ports, Printers, Scanners, and Drives
Table 7.6 PDL Versus Host-Based Printers
Printer Type Feature Benefit Drawback
PDL (includes Page rendered Printer can be used Higher cost because
HP-PCL and in printer independently of a brains are inside the
compatibles, PC or particular printer
PostScript) operating system;
MS-DOS support
Host-based Page rendered Lower cost because Printer must be
by computer brains are inside the married to a computer
PC, not the printer with a compatible operating
system and minimum
performance
requirements; non-
Windows support is
chancy; often can’t be
networked
Use Table 7.7 to determine the simplest way to test a printer. Note
that host-based printers must have their drivers installed before
they can print.
Table 7.7 Testing Printers
Printer Type Test Method
Non-PostScript printer Enter DIR>LPTI from a command prompt (MS-DOS or
using PDL or escape Windows 9x/Me); printer will print directory listing.
sequences (HP-PCL,
compatibles, dot-matrix,
inkjet)
PostScript printer You must send PostScript commands to the printer directly
to test it without drivers. You can use PostScript printer test
in Microsoft MSD or install correct drivers and use test print.
(Windows 9x/NT/2000/ME offer a printer test at the end of
the driver install process. This test can also be performed at
any time through the printer’s icon in the Printer’s folder.)
Host-based printer Install correct drivers and then use test print as earlier.
Printer Hardware Problems
Use Table 7.8 to track down problems and solutions with printers
(any interface type).
Table 7.8 Troubleshooting Printer Problems
Printer
Symptom Type Cause(s) Solutions
Fuzzy printing Laser Damp paper Use paper stored at proper temperature
and humidity.