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A simple and valuable solution
I wanted to share one printer with three computers. I was initially looking for an automatic print sharing device, but I found that the inexpensive ones are for just two computers. When you look for a device for three or more computers, then the price goes up. I didn’t want to spend much money on it. I found this Belkin 4-port USB switch to be a simple, but very effective solution.
The device has a soft-touch switch on the front, and two light indicators at each side of the switch for a total of four. Those lights when illuminated show the port number active, i.e., the first one shows “1″, the second shows “2″, etc., so a quick look at it tells which port is active. Every time you press the switch it changes to the next port in a continuous loop: 1 -> 2 -> 3 -> 4 -> 1 -> 2, etc.
The device uses the power provided by the USB ports from the computers, so no external power adapter is needed. Installation is extremely simple and easy. It took me about two minutes to run the USB cables from three computers to the switch, and then from the switch to the printer. You turn on any one (or more of the computers), then the printer (or viceversa) and you’re ready to print. What could be easier than that?
This device works great for me, because even there are three (and sometimes four) computers, it is only one user (me) and ocassionally a second user (my daughter). Now, if you have only one printer for several people, and you are trying to share that printer between three, or more people, then I would recommend to spend a bit more money and get an automatic sharing device to avoid manually switching.
In regards to software, since it works from the USB ports, no drivers or anything else is necessary to install. Just connect it and it will work. It is also “OS blind”, meaning you can connect a mix of Linux, Mac, and/or Windows computers, and it works. Simple as that. Belkin F1U200V 4-Port USB Switch