Hi all,
How hard is it to set up a wireless print server? I've got an older box which would be ideal for the purpose (in terms of "hey, here's a spare computer! Let's do something with it!), but it's the additional hardware and setup that I need advice about =)

What sort of hardware would you recommend (is it something which would require a separate NIC for each connection anticipated, the way setting up a router does, or is one wired NIC for the printer and one wireless NIC for the incoming connections an ok setup?).

How about for operating systems - is there one which is sort of print-oriented, the way ipcop is for firewalls?

My experience with CUPS is extremely limited (I tried it a few years ago, found it to be completely useless, and haven't been back...I just throw what I need on a USB key and print it all out at work.) Logically, though, it's improved since then, and I'm certainly willing to give it another shot, especially as the number of computers/laptops/visitors to my apartment increases.

Is there a way to limit what connections are accepted only to my lan?

Any information ya'll have would be appreciated

Thanks!

if you want to simply make a printer wireless, then i would suggest getting a PCI wireless card for the PC, something that you know works with linux, then simply connect the printer to that computer by LPT or USB.
involving a NIC on the printer makes things more complicated, possible, but not as easy.

then you can share the printer with samba (assuming people using it mostly have windoze)

It's a good idea, thanks!

There will be at least one Windows comp (that would be my work laptop), but possibly 2...also my Slack box, my laptop which has a sort of operating-system-multiple-personality-disorder but is always sporting some version of linux or other, a Mac or two....it's pretty eclectic.
But as long as they all support Samba, it should be alright, I agree :-)