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Printing device vs. printer

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Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

Printing device vs. printer

Before setting up printers, it's important to understand the distinction between a printing device and a printer that you create using the Add Printer wizard:

  • A printing device is the hardware that actually does the printing.

  • A printer you create using the Add Printer wizard is a software interface between the document and the printing device. You use the printer you create to send jobs to the printing device, according to the specified priority (for example, on a first-come, first-served basis).

Note

  • Print Server for Macintosh is not available on the 64-bit versions of the Windows operating systems.