When choosing a printer for your home, one of the options you have to consider is how the computer connects to the printers. Most printers offer the ability to connect to a wired or wireless network for sharing. Knowing the advantages of each type of printer can help you make the best choice.
Wired Printers
Most wired printers use USB for direct connection, allowing the printer and computer to communicate at high speeds for data transfer. These types of printers are usually easy to install, and in many cases your PC’s operating system may be able to automatically detect and install drivers to help you get started. You can share a wired printer over a network, giving other users the ability to send print jobs to the device. If the PC connected to the printer shuts down, however, other users will lose their connection. USB is very reliable.
Network Printers
To allow multiple (more than one) computer users access to a printer quickly, you will need one that connects directly to your computer network. A wired network printer uses an Ethernet cable instead of a USB connection, and it connects directly to a router instead of an individual computer. These printers take more time to set up, however, since you will have to enter your network details into the device to grant it access to the system. We'd also suggest you use a static IP. You may need a computer technician to help you with this.
A network connection is very reliable.
Wireless or Wi-Fi Printers
A wireless printer is similar to a network printer, but instead of using a cable to connect, the printer connects via Wi-Fi. In addition to the normal network setup, you will have to enter your Wi-Fi password to allow the device to see and connect to the router. Like the network printer, a wireless printer will require you to install driver software on any computer you wish to have access to the printer.
Wireless printing is convenient as there are no cables, but it's much less reliable. Some people have no issues while others have constant problems.
Which to Choose
Wired printers are usually the cheapest option and the easiest to set up for people who do not have significant computer experience. Network printers are a much better choice for a home or office where more than one computer user will need to share the same device. Wireless printers give you the benefits of a wired network printer along with the ability to place the device anywhere it can detect a solid Wi-Fi signal, giving you the most flexibility when it comes to setting up your office devices but also the least reliability of the three connection methods.
We would always suggest you use a USB or network cable where possible. It's going to require much less attention or repairs.
If the printer NEEDS to be somewhere away from the router or computer (laptop or desktop - Windows OR Apple) then choose wireless - but be prepared for the possibility that it may require occasional servicing.
If you need any further advice or help. Let me know.