Summary
This chapter discussed the basics of printers and printing. Some of the important concepts to retain from this chapter include the following:
  • Printer types used today include laser, ink jet, and dot matrix.
  • The steps in the laser printer process include cleaning, conditioning, writing, developing, transferring, and fusing.
  • Print capacity, speed, quality, resolution, and the actual cost of ownership are considerations when buying a printer.
  • Page Description Language (PDL) describes the document in code that the printer understands.
  • Adding a network printer and configuring the client/server relationship.
  • Using the print queue to delete or rearrange print jobs, and to pause the printer.
  • Determining printer problems and the options for dealing with paper jams and mechanical failures.

The next chapter provides the technician with information for proper preventive maintenance. It discusses hardware and software preventive maintenance, electrostatic discharge (ESD), and the process of identifying power issues.