Who Created Technology To Connect Computers With Printers ?

Connecting Computers and Printers: The Visionaries Behind the Technology That Will Change the World.

Introduction:

It's easy to take the reliable link between computers and printers for granted in today's rapidly changing technological scene. But there's a long and interesting history of invention and the work of many foresighted brains behind this apparently straightforward procedure. This article provides background on the history of the technology that established a means for computers to exchange information with printers.

1. Gary Starkweather, the First Man to Create a Laser Printer

In the early 1970s, American engineer Gary Starkweather shook up the printing business by developing the first laser printer. Starkweather had the idea for a more effective and high-quality printing solution while working at the Palo Alto Research Centre (PARC) of the Xerox Corporation.
                    Starkweather's innovation was a laser printing process that transferred pictures onto paper with the use of a laser beam. The elimination of the need for actual type and printing plates was a major advancement in printing technology, and this breakthrough made that possible.

2. The Adobe System: The Original PostScript Developers

Adobe Systems, a software business, greatly advanced the state of the art in linking personal computers to printers by expanding upon Starkweather's original idea. Developed by Adobe Systems in 1984, PostScript is a page description language that bridges the gap between computers and printers.
                    PostScript revolutionised the printing industry by granting users fine-grained control over design components including fonts, images, and colour palettes. It made it simpler for computers to submit complicated print jobs to printers by standardising the printing process across various devices.

3. HP's New Connectivity Developments for Printers

Throughout its existence, tech giant Hewlett-Packard has consistently advanced the state of printer connectivity. Crucial technologies that allowed computers and printers to communicate easily were developed and popularised by the business.
                    Hewlett-Packard Printer Control Language (PCL) was introduced in 1984 and is regarded as one of HP's most significant innovations. PCL was a universal printing language that ensured precise computer-to-HP printer communication. PCL has progressed to become an industry standard that facilitates compatibility and convenience of use across a wide range of printer types.

4. Printing using USB and Network

The IT sector responded to rising connectivity needs by creating industry-wide connectivity benchmarks. USB (Universal Serial Bus) and network printing were two major developments that facilitated the linking of computers with printers.
                    A major step forward in streamlining printer connections was taken when USB was initially introduced in the mid-1990s. It provided a simple plug-and-play interface for linking printers to personal PCs.

However, the ability to share printers across numerous computers on a network expanded the range of options available. With the advent of network protocols like the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP), users may now submit print jobs via remote networks like the internet.

5. Protocols for Networked Printing Past IPP

While IPP was crucial in network printing, additional protocols have since arisen to further improve communication. Among them are the protocols for sending print jobs to distant printers across a network, such as the Line Printer Daemon (LPD) protocol created at the University of California, Berkeley. Similarly, Windows-based settings might take use of network printing thanks to the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol, which is often used for file sharing.

6. Mobile Devices and Wireless Printing

The need for wireless printing solutions has increased dramatically alongside the use of smartphones, tablets, and other mobile devices. Companies like Apple and Google have developed technologies like AirPrint and Google Cloud Print to facilitate wireless printing from mobile devices to appropriate printers. These developments made printing much more convenient by doing away with the need for cables.

7. System Software and Printer Drivers

Connecting computers to printers also relied heavily on printer drivers and software. To put it simply, printer drivers translate print commands from programmes into language printers can comprehend. Drivers developed by printer manufacturers were designed to work exclusively with their printer models. The user experience was further improved by printer management software, such as HP's Printer Assistant or Epson's Print and Scan, which allowed for granular manipulation of printer settings.

8. Freedom of Information and Interoperability

The industry as a whole has adopted open standards in an effort to increase device and programme interoperability. Industry consortiums like the Printer Working Group (PWG) have created standards like the Common UNIX Printing System (CUPS). CUPS greatly aided in the smooth incorporation of printers into Unix-like operating systems by providing a modular printing system.

9. Web-based and Cloud-based Printing Services

With the advent of cloud printing, users no longer needed to be in close proximity to a printer in order to print important documents. Cloud printing has been made possible by services like Google Cloud Print and HP ePrint. The options for remote printing and file sharing would be greatly enhanced if users could send print jobs to remote printers using their web browsers or specialised mobile apps.

Conclusion:

The evolution of technology that allows computers to communicate with printers is quite astonishing. Every development in printer connection has been propelled by the foresight of forward-thinking individuals and corporations, from laser printer inventor Gary Starkweather through software giants Adobe Systems and Hewlett-Packard.


Thanks to their ground-breaking work, we can now print quickly and easily from almost any device, with higher-quality results. Those who pioneered the infrastructure that links computers to printers and so shaped the way we interact and exchange information in the digital age deserve our gratitude and respect as technology continues to improve.