Newsgroups: comp.sys.mac.hardware
Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!sci.ccny.cuny.edu!sukenick
From: sukenick@sci.ccny.cuny.edu (SYG)
Subject: Re: Using a Laserwriter NT from a PC-type machine
Message-ID: <1991Jun26.161758.21080@sci.ccny.cuny.edu>
Organization: City College of New York - Science Computing Facility
References: <wncld!p@rpi.edu>
Date: Wed, 26 Jun 1991 16:17:58 GMT


>She also has a PC, and wants to know if she can use print from the PC's to the 
>Laserwriter NT.  Is it just a matter of cables, or would she need some special 
>hardware on the PC side (to talk LocalTalk)?

It CAN be connected to the PC.

 If she wants to network the printer to the
two computers, she will need a LocalTalk PC card which comes with PC
LaserWriter Program, from Apple ($). I've also seen some other Mac/PC networkers
from various PC sources.  Networking  has the advantage of convenience and if 
the PC and Mac will be used at the same time, may possibly be the necessary
solution.

The cheaper way to go would be to get a switch (or even cheaper, make
connection manually :-)) that would switch between the computers. 

Then the question about drivers.
Windows 3.0 has a driver for the NT.
If running under DOS, then she will
have to get drivers for the individual programs which may cost (eg:
I believe that WP wants about $10 for drivers that don;t come with the
original)
Or: use some of the print spool programs (eg: Pizzazz) 
Or: switch the NT to Laserjet (or Diablo) mode
when the PC is going to be used (ugh).
Details on switch settings, etc are in the manual for the NT.