Hi folks,
I am looking for advice on an inexpensive NAS that can act as a print server.
This will be for a family member who is not technically proficient at all (I will be setting it up and I am familiar with networking). I do not live in the same city so I am thinking NAS as once set up they are fairly foolproof.
Current Situation: I have set up an old old Athlon XP machine with 3 printers and 1 scanner to which the printers are shared. Scanning is done from the Athlon XP machine. Family members have laptops which access shared printers. The problem is the computer is big, clunky, and power hungry. The number of printers will usually be 3, may go up to 4 depending on things (they run a small business from home).
What I want: Ideally an NAS that could handle the scanner and 3 printers. I would be happy with just the 3 printers though, people could hook up to the scanner as needed with a laptop and USB.
Trouble so far: Whenever I've looked at NAS's they haven't handled multiple printers well often requiring people to use Putty to access a command line and edit files. Given that printers may change and I'm not easily available I don't want that hassle. I just want a box that can handle plug and share easily through a GUI so i can give simple instructions over the phone if necessary.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
I am looking for advice on an inexpensive NAS that can act as a print server.
This will be for a family member who is not technically proficient at all (I will be setting it up and I am familiar with networking). I do not live in the same city so I am thinking NAS as once set up they are fairly foolproof.
Current Situation: I have set up an old old Athlon XP machine with 3 printers and 1 scanner to which the printers are shared. Scanning is done from the Athlon XP machine. Family members have laptops which access shared printers. The problem is the computer is big, clunky, and power hungry. The number of printers will usually be 3, may go up to 4 depending on things (they run a small business from home).
What I want: Ideally an NAS that could handle the scanner and 3 printers. I would be happy with just the 3 printers though, people could hook up to the scanner as needed with a laptop and USB.
Trouble so far: Whenever I've looked at NAS's they haven't handled multiple printers well often requiring people to use Putty to access a command line and edit files. Given that printers may change and I'm not easily available I don't want that hassle. I just want a box that can handle plug and share easily through a GUI so i can give simple instructions over the phone if necessary.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?