The IT department of a medium-sized company is setting up a shared printer to handle extensive printing needs across different departments. The printer has an Ethernet port and is to be accessed over the company's local area network. The IT specialist decides to use a dedicated computer as a print server to manage print jobs and printer access. What is the primary reason for configuring a dedicated computer as a print server rather than connecting the printer directly to the network and assigning it an IP address?
It increases printing speed because a dedicated computer can process data more quickly than a network printer.
It is a necessary security protocol required by the IEEE to prevent data breaches through networked printers.
It provides centralized management capabilities, allowing for queue control, user authentication, and detailed audit logs.
It reduces network congestion by storing all printing jobs locally on the computer's hard drive before sending them to the printer.
Setting up a dedicated print server provides centralized management of printer access and print jobs, assists with print auditing, and enhances printer availability and reliability. It allows for better queue management across the network, ensuring users are authenticated and controlling which jobs are printed first, unlike a printer with just an IP address which wouldn't offer centralized control over these functions. A print server also often includes more robust features for handling printer error recovery, offering additional layers of security, and managing driver updates, providing greater utility and easing the burden for IT staff.
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