Printing from Mac on a Laserjet on a networked PC.

I have two computers - a Dell PC running Windows XP and an iBook running
MacOS 10.3.2. Both are connected wirelessly to a Netgear router, which
in turn connects to my ISP for internet access. I am a total novice on
matters of device and file sharing between these computers.

I have recently added an HP Color Laserjet 1600 to the PC. This printer
is not compatible with Mac computers. Previously I used to share an
inkjet printer by re-plugging the USB cable or by using a parallel
connection from the PC and USB from the Mac.

Is there a way I can print to the Laserjet from applications running on
the iBook? If the answer is yes, then can someone recommend a good
tutorial that will get me started in the right direction. I need help in
understanding the concepts of sharing, network naming, etc.

At present both computers are somewhat cluttered by debris from previous
semi-abortive attempts to network them using an ethernet cable.
Do I need to get rid of this debris, or can I safely leave it lying
around?
--
Michael Poole
2 Highlands Glade, Manston
Ramsgate, Kent
CT12 5GS Tel: 01843 822008

In article <SJZLmpCvLLqHFwkt.TakeThisOut@tesco.net>,
Michael Poole <mdp.TakeThisOut@michaelpoole.org.uk> wrote:

> I have recently added an HP Color Laserjet 1600 to the PC. This printer
> is not compatible with Mac computers.

HP designed that printer so cheaply that the printer itself lacks the
normal programming needed to print. Instead, the HP software drivers
included with the printer do all the processing for it. Because of HP's
design decisions, the printer simply cannot work without custom drivers,
and HP supplies Windows-only versions of those drivers.

Unfortunately, this is a perfect illustration of the "you get what you
pay for" concept. Basically what you've got is a cheap, brain-dead
printer that will only work with Windows. : /

With that said, there is, apparently, a way to get something working
with Mac OS X by using some open source Ghostscript drivers.
Unfortunately, the drivers are much less than perfect, and color
printing is apparently just horrid. It may not be worth your time.
Details here:

<http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=6491613>

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news...

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JR