In Progress Guides

How to fix a printer that won't print

Tools

These are some common tools used to work on this device. You might not need every tool for every procedure.

Background and Identification

In reference to computing, printers are a peripheral device that produces images of text, graphics, etc. on paper typically. Though many devices are classified as "all-in-ones", with printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities, their ability to print qualifies them as printers. You can classify printers in a few different ways, according to PCMag, if you categorize them by purpose, technology and intended use, the better time you will have choosing the right one for you. Do you need one for home or office, general or special purpose and lastly, do you need a laser or inkjet?

In 1984 HP introduced a low price laser printer to the market called the HP LaserJet. These printers produced high quality images and documents. In 1988 the HP Deskjet was introduced, an inkjet printer, which was lower cost and quality but still decent enough so that the more expensive dot matrix printers were mostly replaced.

Laser printers and those similar, like solid ink and LED-based printers are the best at printing high quality text compared with other printers like inkjets. While most inkjets rise above in quality printing of photos compared with most laser printers.

By the 1990’s and 2000’s the need for printers used for physical backup of documents was happening less and less because of email.

Additional Information