3.6 Given a scenario, deploy & configure multifunction devies/printers & settings Flashcards
What printer types are common for SOHO use?
Inkjet & laser printers
4 factors to consider when choosing a printer?
- Speed (Pages Per Minute (PPM))
- Max resolution
- Paper handling
- Additional features/functionality
Additional features include automatic duplex for double-sided printing and a finisher unit for folding, stapling, and hole punching. These can come built-in or be purchased separately as add-ons.
What is the speed of a printer measured in?
Pages Per Minute (PPM)
You’ll see different speeds quoted for different types of output. i.e. pages of monochrome text will print more quickly than color photos
What is a printer’s resolution measured in?
Dots Per Inch (DPI)
What does the printer’s resolution determine?
Output quality
Printer dots and screen image pixels are not equivalent. Multiple dots are needed to reproduce one pixel at acceptable quality. Pixel dimensions are usually specified in pixels per inch (PPI) to prevent confusion. Vertical and horizontal resolutions can differ, resulting in figures like 2400x600. The horizontal resolution is set by the print engine (either laser scanning unit or inkjet print head), while the vertical resolution is determined by the paper handling mechanism.
What does a printer’s paper handling mean?
The sizes & types of paper/media that can be loaded
Printer versatility is key. Handling labels, envelopes, card stock, and more is crucial. Paper capacity matters in high-volume settings to prevent jams. Low-capacity trays can lead to frequent jams in busy offices.
3 ways a printer can connect to a computer/network?
- USB
- Ethernet
- Wireless
What printer connectivity is considered “plug & play”?
USB
With USB, the OS usually detects the printer using Plug & Play & installes the driver automatically
What to do if a a print driver isnt automatically downloaded during printer setup?
Manually install it or pick a driver version that supports a specific PDL
PDL = Page Description Language
A PDL converts print commands into a detailed raster file (A dot-by-dot description of where the printer should place ink), supporting scalable fonts, vector graphics, and color printing.
What is a Page Description Language (PDL)?
Language that describes the layout & content of a printed page
It translates the content from a software app into a format that a printer can understand & reproduce accurately
What features do Page Description Languages (PDLs) support?
- Scalable fonts
- Vector graphics
- Color printing
2 types of Page Description Languages (PDLs)?
- PostScript
- PCL
Meaning of PCL
Printer Command Language
What PDL is common for professional desktop publishing & graphical design output?
PostScript
Between PostScript & PCL, which PDL is faster?
PDL = Page Description Language
PCL
What PDL do many Windows print devices default to?
Microsoft’s XML Paper Specification (XPS)
What are the 2 main configuration dialogs for a printer in Windows?
- Printer Properties
- Printing Preferences