Three Computers, But Only One Printer: Switching Question, Please

[Robert4]

Hi,

Would appreciate any thoughts on this, please:

Have an iMac, and two additional W10 PC's in study.
But, only 1 Printer.

Presently have a mechanical push-button switch box to select which
one is printing.

Push-Buttons very flaky and un-relaible.
Also, the 4 output connectors are not a USB; it's some kind of square-isa geometry, which is very, very, wobbly
and un reliable.

Question: If I get one of those Powered (or un-powered ?) USB Hubs, would
this enable me to switch the three computers to the single Printer ?

What happens if all of their (3 or 4) pushbuttons are always selected to On ?

Any thoughts on this would be most appreciated.

Thanks, stay safe,
Bob

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

Hi,

Would appreciate any thoughts on this, please:

Have an iMac, and two additional W10 PC's in study.
But, only 1 Printer.

Presently have a mechanical push-button switch box to select which
one is printing.

Push-Buttons very flaky and un-relaible.
Also, the 4 output connectors are not a USB; it's some kind of square-isa geometry, which is very, very, wobbly
and un reliable.

Question: If I get one of those Powered (or un-powered ?) USB Hubs, would
this enable me to switch the three computers to the single Printer ?

What happens if all of their (3 or 4) pushbuttons are always selected to On ?

Any thoughts on this would be most appreciated.

Thanks, stay safe,
Bob

Maybe I am missing something but:

(Assuming you have a LAN at home), why don't you connect your computers and your printer to the network? In that case you can use that printer from any computer in your home. Why use a mechanical switch at all?

 

[chabig]

Question: If I get one of those Powered (or un-powered ?) USB Hubs, would
this enable me to switch the three computers to the single Printer ?

No. That won’t work. Tell us what printer You have so we can try to be more helpful. Answers depend on the specific model, but my answer would probably involve connecting the printer to your Mac, turning on Printer Sharing, and setting the Windows PCs up with AirPrint. https://www.unlockboot.com/install-use-airprint-for-windows-10-8-7/

 

[frou]

If a printer is just a simple USB device and has no Ethernet/WiFi functionality itself, it can be turned into a network-attached printer using something like this:

150Mbps Pocket-Sized Wireless Print Server

The ultra-compact Wireless Print Server allows a single USB printer to be shared on a wireless network. Just place your printer in your home or office wherever need it.

www.tp-link.com

 

[glenthompson]

Connect the printer to your iMac and turn on printer sharing. Have the Windows machines connect to the iMac to print.