ip+print+utility

in win2k/xp there is the ability to print directly to an ip address for example when you set up a printer you can tell it the port it is connected to is: IP_1.2.3.4

rather than a parallel port or the printer's name shared on some server

win9x does not have this ability but this utility adds it, it is written by hp but it also works with non hp printers (Lexmark, etc).

the procedure is:

find out the ip address of the printer you want to print to, you can do this by printing out a status page using the buttons on the printer itself

install this port monitor utility

get the drivers for that printer on the machine you want to install it to, do- (add printer) > (local printer) > (have disk) and point it to the drivers you downloaded for that printer

it will now ask you what port, just tell it "LPT1" and finish the wizard, say "no" to printing a test page

once it has copied the drivers and installed the printer, open the list of printers and right click on the one you just added and select properties- (details) > (add port) > (other) > (HP Standard TCP/IP Port) > (ok)

hit next, enter the ip address, and finish the wizard