What Students Should Know About Cloud Printing

Tight deadlines, long nights at the library and the pressure to make good grades can wreak havoc on a student’s brain. Fortunately, modern technological advances provide students with tools to help make things just a little bit easier.
“The cloud” is a term for services and abilities you can receive and perform online. One of those tools is cloud printing.

Cloud printing is a technology which allows users to print remotely. Users can issue a print command from anywhere – including their smart phone – and have it printed from a device located elsewhere. This is especially helpful for students as they can print from any location on or off campus and pick up their document at a central location. Not only is this convenient, but it also cuts down on missed deadlines and even makes it easier to acquire printable study materials.

Printing should be done over a secure network. With a lot of documents it doesn’t matter if you have security, but it’s good to get in the habit of looking for secure connections.

Private documents might include personal photos, personal letters, legal documents or anything else of a sensitive nature. These could end up in the wrong hands if someone else gets to the document before you do, especially if you send the document to the wrong printer or end up forgetting you printed something at all.

Personal documents are better sent to a private printer. Also, if at all possible, make sure you print to a device that has everything it needs in order to print successfully. It should be stocked with plenty of paper and HP toner.

Connections

The network is responsible for receiving and managing files. It uses an application or plug-in to communicate with the target printer.

It should work the same way as printing from anywhere else. The document is printed according to your specifications and is there for you to pick up. Like most web-based/cloud applications, cloud printing works without the use of a local operating system or drivers.

Almost any printer can work with cloud printing and can be connected to your cloud printing account, enabling you to print effortlessly and immediately. However, it is best to use a cloud-ready printer because it’s easier to set up and maintain. Most major brands have out-of-the-box, cloud-ready models.

Anything that connects to the web – a personal computer, tablet or smart device – is compatible with cloud printing. The number of apps that can work with cloud printing is increasing every day.

Share Printers

Another advanced feature of cloud printing is the ability to share printers across far flung workers. Sharing printers is as easy as pointing and clicking. Shared printers and printing jobs can be managed quickly and easily from your cloud printing account. Make sure you are only sharing printers with someone you trust.

Cloud printing is one way to make your student life easier and less expensive; no dorm room printer needed. Cloud printing works for: slides, class notes, syllabi, photos and study guides all with the click of a button. You can queue the print job before leaving and pick up the documents on your way to the bar or gym and you have extra time to work on assignments knowing that you do not have to work around your printing limitations.

When printing remotely, there are a few important things to keep in mind.

Pay close attention to which printer you are printing to. There will likely be more than one printer to choose from in the drop down menu when you queue a job. Make sure you know the name of your target printer and where it’s located.

Do not get caught with your proverbial pants down. With this technology, you can print from your home, office or even your car; so there is no excuse not to take advantage of it. Being able to print on the go gives you options, and options are the key to making your life as a student as smooth and as easy as possible.