Windows NT Server 4.0 features a complete network printer sharing architecture. Unlike Solaris 7, a single unified architecture makes planning, configuration, deployment, and ongoing administration easier.
Windows NT Server 4.0 contains printer drivers for all popular printers, making device installation and configuration an easy task. Sharing support is provided for all parallel and serial printers by default. Hardware print server devices are supported via the DLC protocol for Digital Network Parts, Lexmark DLC Network Ports, HP JetDirect network ports, and via TCP/IP for Lexmark TCP/IP Network Port-compliant devices. Additionally, because Windows NT Server 4.0 uses a modular device architecture, additional device support and print server support can easily be added from the thousands of drivers available from third party OEMs.
Printer sharing services are provided to all NetBIOS-capable clients over the NetBEUI, TCP/IP, and IPX/SPX network protocols. Additionally, LPD-capable clients running the TCP/IP protocol can also connect and print via Windows NT Server 4.0, as full LPD server support is provided. Management is accomplished through the GUI interface present in the Printers folder, which is stored in the Windows Control Panel. As would be expected, printing rights can be fully restricted and auditing is supported as part of the Windows NT Server 4.0 security model.
Beyond basic printer sharing support, Windows NT Server 4.0 features the automatic download and configuration of device drivers, greatly easing a client’s task when using shared printing resources. Additionally, printer pooling provides a single share point for client connectivity that can be load-balanced between multiple printers.
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