The operating system plays an important role in controlling the printer. When working in a Windows based operating system, there are three areas that you must know in order to become a good technician. These include:

A. Configuration Utilities

B. Resource Allocation and Viewing

C. Printer Settings

In Windows operating system (Windows98/Me, Windows 2000 and Windows XP), the Printers and Faxes option is frequently used to add or remove printer, temporarily halt the printing job, and define or change printer settings such as print quality, paper type, orientation, number of copies, etc. You can change the printer configuration by opening the Properties dialog box. You can do so through the following steps:

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1. Open the Printers and Faxes option either from the Start button menu or by opening the Control Panel window.

2. Once the Printers and Faxes window opens up, move the mouse-pointer over the desired printer icon and click the right mouse-button.

3. In the shortcut menu, move the mouse-pointer over the Properties option and click the left mouse-button.

4. The Properties dialog box of selected printer appears on the screen. Make necessary changes and then first click on Apply button and then on OK button to close the Properties dialog box.

The Add Printer wizard of Windows operating system guides you through the installation process. This utility stars automatically when Windows operating system detects a newly installed printer. Once the wizard starts you must select whether the printer is a local printer (used by only one computer) or network printer. Whatever the option you select, if you are installing the printer for the first time, you will have to install a printer driver. For best performance, use latest printer manufacturer's driver for the operating system installed. You must also select the port to which the printer attaches (COM or LPll The wizard also asks if the printer is to be the default printer.