Why won’t my printer work?
If you’re using Windows Vista or XP, in 90% of the cases it’s because you need to clear your Print Queue.
To do so:
- Click on Start Menu
- Click Control Panel & Open Printer and Faxes (Right Hand side of the pop up menu)
- If you have more then one printer icon in new window, right click the printer that is currently being used.(DEFAULT PRINTER)
- Click Open
- Check to see how many jobs are in the Queue / Window (there should be none): if there are jobs in the queue, go to step 6
- Start Deleting jobs from the bottom of the list
- Delete all jobs in the Print Queue Window (by hitting the delete key on your keyboard)
- Exit Printer Window, and Exit Printer and Faxes Window
- Then retry printing document.
Which printer should I buy?
A good starting point is to decide whether you would need colour printing or not . The average person purchasing a printer for home hopes to be able to use colour to print pictures. Inexpensive ink-jet printers are widely available in all the big box store locations. The biggest factor in purchasing these models in the cost of the ink that the machine will be using. The technology in all the different brands is very similar and produces pretty close to the same results. These printers on average have about a two year life span. When taking into account the cost of the printer , ink and photo paper it is always more cost effective to have pictures printed by one of the larger stores. However the convenience of printing at home may out weigh the cost factor.
For the average small office looking for a multifunction machine (fax scanner copier) having the option to print in colour is convenient but adds a great deal of operating cost. In most cases in the small office setting a black and white multifunction machine coupled with another inexpensive colour printer to be used only when needed is the most cost effective route.
For the medium sized office 10 to 25 employees a higher capacity black and white printer may be needed for larger print jobs. Depending on the colour printing needs a larger format colour printer may also be required to fill in house marketing needs.
For the larger size office environment a high capacity colour multifunction machine can be a feasible solution again depending on the needs of the particular business.
Laser or inkjet?
Depending on your print volume and budget laser might be worth considering. The cartridges cost more, but offer a much lower cost per page, and never dry out. On the other hand ink jet can deliver superior print jobs for a small budget. Contact us for a free consultation to determine the best fit for you.
Where can I take my old printer or electronics for recycling?
Please take your old printers to any participating Encorp Return-It Depot. It’s a FREE service.