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Sizing and choosing printers

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

Sizing and choosing printers

When you plan the printing strategy for your organization, you need to estimate the number and type of printers you need both now and in the future. Consider the following:

  • Determine how printing resources will be divided and allocated. High-volume printers generally have more features but affect more users if they break down.

  • Consider the printer features you need, such as color, duplex printing, envelope feeders, multi-bin mailboxes, internal disks, and staples. Determine who needs these features and where these users are physically located.

  • Although cost is a factor, laser printers might be a good choice for both black-and-white and color printing. However, many less expensive laser printers do not support larger page size, which you might require.

  • Generally, you will experience fewer maintenance problems if you match printing volume with a printer's duty cycle (the number of pages the printer was designed to print per month).

  • Consider what type of graphics your organization needs. Windows, TrueType, and other technologies make it possible to print complex and sophisticated graphics and fonts on most printers.

  • Consider printing speed requirements. Generally, printers that attach directly to the network with network adapters offer faster throughput than printers attached with parallel buses. However, print throughput rates also depend on network traffic, the type of network adapter, and the protocol used, not just the type of the printer.

  • To confirm that your printer is designed for this operating system, see the compatibility information in Support resources.

Deciding where to locate printers

You want to place printers close to the people who will be using them. However, you also need to determine printers' locations in relation to the location of the print server and users' computers within your network. Another goal should be to minimize the impact of printing on your network environment.

Check your network infrastructure and try to prevent print jobs from hopping through multiple internetwork devices. If you have a group of users with high-volume printing needs, you can isolate them with their own printer located on their segment of the network, minimizing the effect on other users.