Windows users making the transition to Mac usually have Windows computers and peripherals they would like to continue to use. One of the most common questions from new users is, "Can I print from my Mac to the printer connected to my Windows computer?"
The answer is yes. Here’s how to achieve printer sharing with your Windows computers.
Printer Sharing - Vista Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.4
Microsoft product screen shot reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation
If you’re running OS X 10.4.x (Tiger) on your Mac, and you want to use a printer that’s connected to a Windows computer running Vista, the "Printer Sharing - Vista Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.4" guide will walk you through the entire process and have you printing in a matter of minutes.
You may have heard that Windows Vista and Mac OS X 10.4 just don’t get along, making it difficult to share printers and files. It’s true that these two OSes don’t normally play well together, but with a little bit of tweaking and cajoling, your Mac and PC can end up on speaking terms.
Printer Sharing - Vista Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.5
Microsoft product screen shot reprinted with permission from Microsoft Corporation
If you’re running OS X 10.5.x (Leopard) on your Mac, and you want to use a printer that’s connected to a Windows computer that’s running Vista, the "Printer Sharing - Vista Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.5" guide is just what you need.
OS X 10.5.x is a little more compatible with Vista than OS X 10.4, but it’s still not plug and play. Nevertheless, all it takes is a few minutes of your time to get your Mac printing from a Vista-hosted printer.
Printer Sharing - Windows XP Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.4
Courtesy of Dell Inc.
Windows XP and OS X 10.4 (Tiger) are almost best buddies. Printer sharing is much easier with this combination than with Vista and Tiger. All it takes to set up printer sharing between Windows XP and your Mac is a few minutes of your time and the steps outlined in this guide.
Printer Sharing - Windows XP Printer Sharing With Mac OS X 10.5
Courtesy of Dell Inc.
Windows XP and OS X 10.5 are a match made in heaven, at least when it comes to printer sharing. You don’t have to run the gauntlet of obstacles that other Windows OS/Mac OS combinations put in your path.
Setting up printer sharing with Windows XP and OS 10.5 is easy, but this tutorial makes it easier yet, particularly if this is the first time you’ve set up printer sharing.
