Running Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional

Chapter 12

Struggles with arcane printer commands, finding printer drivers for each application, and finicky connections in the early days of personal computing are a distant memory. When it comes to translating your work from the computer screen to the printed page, Microsoft Windows provides a wealth of support, and we've reached the point where we can now take printing for granted. But you shouldn't overlook the enhancements that Microsoft Windows 2000 brings to the table:

• An improved Print dialog box makes it easier to see which of your printers has the shortest queue and to select that printer.
• If the printer you want isn't installed, you can add a printer from the Print dialog box.
• With Active Directory, you can easily find a printer with particular capabilities or one that's located in a particular place.
• Point and Print lets you start using a network printer without printer-driver setup hassles.
• Internet printing lets you print to any printer that's accessible on the Internet.
• Printed color documents match their on-screen appearance, thanks to Image Color Management (ICM) 2 support. For information about ICM, see "Matching Colors with Color Profiles."
• Plug and Play support and an improved Add Printer Wizard make it easier to install printers. For information, see "Installing and Configuring a Printer."