Robert Vrabel

Today i had to install an IP printer on a MAC and Windows machine. Lets compare the process and see which one is more user friendly.

MAC OSX

1. Open System Preferences
2. Open Print & Fax
3. Click + To add Printer
4. Click IP Printer
5. Type IP
6. Click Add

Windows XP

1. Open Control Panel
2. Open Printers and Faxes
3. Click Add Printer
4. Click Next
5. Select “Local printer attached to this computer”
6. Uncheck Automatically detect and install my Plug and Play printer
7. Click Create a new port
8. Select Standard TCP/IP Port from the dropdown
9. Click Next
10. Click Next
11. Type IP
12. Click Next
13. Click Finish
14. Click Windows Update (To get more drivers)
15. Select Printer Manufacture
16. Select Printer
17. Click Next
18. Click Next
19. Click Next
20. Click Next
21. Click Finish
22. Click Ok

16 more steps just to add a IP printer in windows? Why do i need to choose “Local Printer” when adding a network IP printer? Clearly whoever thought the process out in Windows was not thinking clearly as it makes absolutely no sense. This is just one of the few things i have found from using a MAC that make the user experience so much easier. If you haven’t tried a MAC yet, please do yourself a favor and give it a try.