Setting up an OS independent network
 

I need to set up a network with both Macs and PCs...as well as anything else...though those two are most important (sorry...not really linux related).
I need to have access to printers from all computers. I was looking at these routers with print server, and was wondering how that worked...would that allow Macs to use the printer at the same time as PCs?

How do these routers with Print Servers work exactly...I believe I was looking at the D-Link routers, if that makes any difference.

Here's a link from the Dlink site on one of their routers with built-in print server. Heed their warnings about Mac compatability - but it will probably work.

link

For a linux solution you could always have a linux server with printer(s) attached running Samba for Windows clients, Netatalk for Macs, Mars for Netware etcetera. Lots more fun setting up too!

you can setup a print server in windows or whatever os you use to be available to all other machines - check the OS documentation

a physical print server is cheap and can be plugged in the back of a printer - look for them at cdw

if you need a router- an old pc(pentium200mhz etc) and two nics is cheaper than buying a router- what is your isp connection? if you are using a t1 etc you might need other equipment

a print server is just a device that has physical access to a printer which in turn shares that access with other entities on a network
there are many ways to setup print servers and most large vendors have their own versions- ibm-microsoft-apple
there are some standards which transcend operating systems

www.google.com