More and more people prefer to use compact and convenient tablets rather than classic personal computers at home and at work. But do they allow you to send documents to the printer for printing? Yes, there are several ways.
The popularity of tablets is increasing, more and more people choose them as their main computer device. They are lightweight and compact for easy storage in a bag or folder.
If earlier tablets were used mainly for entertainment, today many people prefer to use them for work. With their help, they read documents, receive e-mail and even type text. This can be done not only on the screen, but also using an external keyboard, which increases the convenience of typing.
The ability to print documents from a tablet turns this type of computer into a full-fledged working tool. For such devices to take root in the corporate sector, it is important to teach them how to work with printers.
Wi-Fi and USB connection
Most tablet models are equipped with a Wi-Fi module. With its help, you can go online and connect to devices that have an appropriate interface. For example, some printer models allow you to connect wireless devices and print documents.
If the printer is not equipped with a Wi-Fi module, you can try connecting to an office network using wireless access points. After connecting to it, send the document to the network printer. But this method does not always work. Problems may arise due to software incompatibility.
The most reliable way is to connect directly to the printer using a USB cable. If your tablet is not equipped with a full-size connector, but is equipped with a MiniUSB or MicroUSB port, you can use an adapter - an On-The-Go (OTG) cable. It is usually included with the tablet when purchased. If the kit was not included, you can buy one at most computer stores.
For full collaboration between the tablet and the printer, you need to install the drivers. It is quite difficult to find suitable for a bundle of your particular devices. Therefore, it is more convenient to use special software.
The PrinterShare program is very popular, which allows you to print text files or photographs from a tablet. The program is paid, but it greatly simplifies the task of printing documents from mobile devices.
It's easy to use. Install it on the device and connect it to the printer with a cable. Go to the program menu. There is a list of printers in which your machine should appear. Now you can select the documents you want and send them for printing, just like from a regular computer.
Using Google Cloud Print
If you have an Android tablet, you can use Google's cloud service. This technology works with Internet access. It will help you out if you cannot connect your tablet to the printer using the methods described above. Some models of printing devices are equipped with support for Google Cloud Print and do not require a computer, directly connecting to the worldwide network.
If you want to print a document on a regular printer, you need a PC with Internet access, an account in Google services and the Chrome browser of the same name. In the settings of the Internet browser, you need to select the Google Cloud Print item and add your printer.
After registering with the cloud service, the printer can receive documents from the tablet. A document sent from your mobile device is sent via the Internet channel to Google Cloud Print, from where it is sent to the Chrome browser running on your PC. The web browser is sending the document to the printer. All devices must be up and online to successfully complete the chain of operations.
