Buying a Printer for your Computerbank Computer

Not all printers work with a Computerbank computer. Computerbank computers have a Linux operating system on them not a Microsoft windows system.

Check the list of Linux compatible printers at OpenPrinting (http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting) and this list of HP printers Hewlett Packard printers for Linux (http://tinyurl.com/9ubbn) If you don't have access to the web, Computerbank can help with printer queries over the phone on Fridays and Saturdays.

Where to buy a printer

BigW, Computer World, Kmart, Dick Smith,  IT Warehouse, IT Supermarket, and MSY Computers stock printers. You should be able to buy an inkjet printer compatible with Linux for under $80.

You can also buy from second hand dealers, computer swap meets, and individual sellers from second hand trading publications, they will have lower prices than retail stores. When buying printers from second hand dealers, it is always good practice to check you can return the printer if it does not work with your system.

Important: Check the cost of ink cartridges before purchasing a printer. Cartridges for some models cost as much as $90. Sometimes a cheaper generic cartridge can be used. Also there are refillable ink kits available which are a cheaper option again.

Printer Set Up is not Automatic

After purchasing your printer, it will need to be set up to work with your computer. The printer doesn't just plug in and work.  Discs that come with the printer are for Microsoft Windows printer drivers and will not work on our computers.  Don't panic.

Computerbank can configure your computer or you can set up the printer yourself.  The instructions are in our user guide. "How do I set up my Printer?" which is included in the computer guide we gave you when you bought the computer.  There is a copy of these instructions on your computer desktop called The Compact Guide to the Computerbank Computer or you can view the guide here:  The Compact guide to the Computerbank Computer look for the page "How do I set up my Printer?".

Will Computerbank Repair my Printer?

Computerbank does not repair printers.  Each printer manufacturer unfortunately makes hundreds of different models and it is not possible to stock parts for them.  It would be nice to see some standisation within and between brands to reduce needless waste.  We charge $5.50 to recycle unwanted and broken printers.  The plastic reclaimed is reformed into new items.

_{Kylie Davies author, contributors: David Hatton, JVS - June 2005 updated May 2008}

Computerbank Victoria Inc
Tel: (03) 9600 9161 Fax: (03) 9328 1679