can a second computer be connected by USB to my office jet pro 6978 to the front USB type A port?

[jim4b]

So I have one PC connected to my 6978 ink jet printer into the back side USB type B like normal. And I have the printer also connected by Ethernet to the fiber optic then it becomes coax cable modem. For my 2nd computer connection to this printer, is it best to just use the network connection, or can I connect this other PC to the front printer panel USB type A ?

[jim4b]

Or is the front USB type A connection port only used to print from a USB flash drive ? And if so, then do the picture files need to be outside of a folder, so that they are on the root of it ? Okay thanks. And can that print from USB device be done with your computer off, so with the printer only, or does the PC need to be booted on ?

[Valsimot · Accepted solution]

The front USB if for printing from a USB drive only, you can't connect a computer to that port.

You need to save pictures you want to print to a USB drive, insert to front port and print it, you don't need a computer to print from a USB drive.

[jim4b]

Okay I see then, and thanks for that help. Is there a USB type B 2 into 1 splitter ? So then 2 computers can be connected both to the back of the printer to that one type B port ? What would happen if a computer is plugged into that front USB A port  with a adapter?

[Valsimot]

The USB doesn't function like that. if the USB is the only option you need unplug computer A and plug computer B to print from computer B and vice versa.

[jim4b]

Okay I see, I did find some KVM type switches for sale online that allow 2-4 computers to connect to the switch by USB and then share connect up to 4 devices such as printers, hubs, keyboards, and mouse. But after reading some of the reviews, those USB switching devices really do not work very well, or for very long time duration, so they are likely too cheap and not worth it. So I will just keep one printer plugged in USB type B, and connect my other PC to the network attached by ethernet cable.