What the Small Company Owner Should Know About Dead Printers

About the Dead Printer

From time to time I walk into a business or warehouse that has an antiquated network that has a problem. This only follows reason since the company would not call me if there was no problem.

I am sometimes surprised to find that the network is still running DOS 6.1 and Novell Net Ware. The big problem is that the printer finally quite working and the owner can not find a compatible printer and or cannot fix the one that he has.

What now?

The usual logic is that you have to go get the latest expensive printer and up grade your systems to the latest micro-soft software which usually means that you have to upgrade your main application if the company that wrote it is still and business and still make this application. This will probably cost you at least $1,500.00 Of course none of your old computers will run the last OS so you have to buy 5 new workstations and a server. New network wiring, or wireless and the list goes on and on.

• new printers 2 @ $450.00 ea $900.00;
• new workstation 5@ $500 ea $2,500.00
• new server 1 @ $1,250.00
• new software 1 @ $1,500.00

Already well over $6,000,00 and that do not include any installation or network infrastructure.

Are their other options?

Yes there are but none that anyone will tell you about because they do not make any money if you chose one of those options. Lets examine the problem closer.

• If your old reliable printer is dead and must be replace check out the latest laser printers. Many come with (you got it) DOS drivers so if your printing system uses the DOS guts to print, then these printers come with the software to keep you printing. Honestly, do you think the guy at the computer store or consulting company that is going to get commission off of $6K is going to tell you that you might just need to buy a new laser jet printer?

• If that is not an option and your software requires the Novell guts to print and you can not find a printer that support it, what about using Linux as a print server. Linux can emulate Novell networking protocols. It may be possible to use Linux to emulator the Novell netware network and use the Linux guts to print.

• If there are DOS or hardware problems? there may be two options:
  • New hardware and Freedos. Freedos is a free and open source version of DOS. It runs most DOS applications. It may be possible to get a new hard drive or reuse an older box install Freedos, reinstall your applications and keep going.

  • New hardware and Linux. Linux has a DOS emulator that runs most DOS application. Linux also support TCP/IP networking and all types of printing.
    -
    The point of this story is that their are cheaper options out their. You usually do not have to upgrade the whole network because your old trusty printer quit working. Talk to a consultant that knows and understands FOS (Free and Open Source Software). Just because it is old does not mean you have to throw it away, especially if it is doing the job you bought it to do.