Printer Fleet Management

Should You Update Your Printer’s Firmware? 

Submitted by Karla Metzler on Thu, 01/16/2025 - 09:00

How important is your office’s security to you? If it’s not already a priority, consider this: 68% of organizations have experienced at least one endpoint attack that successfully compromised data or IT infrastructure, according to the Ponemon Institute.

One unexpected weak spot that hackers often exploit is your printer.

Yes, your seemingly harmless printer could be an open door for cybercriminals. But there’s a simple, effective way to safeguard against these cyberattacks: update your printer’s firmware.

For nearly 40 years, we’ve been part of the printer and copier industry. Over time, we’ve seen how companies are becoming more concerned about printer security, especially when they handle sensitive data. 

What is Cloud Print Management?

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Fri, 01/03/2025 - 09:32

“Why are printers so complicated?”

If you’ve ever found yourself muttering this in frustration while wrestling with uncooperative printers, you’re not alone. Printing can feel like a relic of the past—an annoying yet necessary evil that just won’t stay simple. But here’s the good news: technology has evolved to make printing less of a headache, even for the most complex environments.

Thanks to innovations like cloud print management, managing and optimizing your printing is easier than ever, even in complex setups.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we know printers inside and out. We work daily with businesses of all sizes to streamline their print environments using smart, technology-forward solutions. Our expertise means we understand the struggles you face and can offer solutions tailored to your unique needs.

64 Common Printing Terms Defined  

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Mon, 12/16/2024 - 07:04

Pop quiz: What does ppm mean? What’s a printer’s duty cycle? Can you tell the difference between A3 and A4 paper?

If you can answer even one of those questions, you’re already ahead of many when it comes to basic printer knowledge.

Understanding printer terms is helpful, especially when you’re on the hunt for a new machine. You could easily fill a textbook with all the printer jargon out there, and knowing terms like these will make your search smoother.

As a locally managed print vendor for nearly 40 years, we’ve encountered countless confused customers. It’s clear that a “Printing Encyclopedia" is needed!

Getting familiar with basic terms during your research will make you more knowledgeable and prepared to tackle questions about what you need

All-in-One/Multifunction Printer: How Is it Different From a Regular Printer?

Submitted by Karla Metzler on Fri, 12/13/2024 - 09:00

Looking for a copier or printer for your business? You’ve probably heard the terms "all-in-one printer" or "multifunction printer." If you’re curious about what an all-in-one printer is and how it’s different from a regular printer or copier, you’re in the right place.

With nearly 40 years of experience in the printing industry, we know a lot about multifunction printers. In this article, we’ll break down what a multifunction printer is, its advantages, the best users for it, and what you should consider when choosing an MFP.

What Is an All-in-One or Multifunction Printer?

An all-in-one printer, also called a multifunction printer (MFP), can copy, print, scan, and fax—all in one machine.

What is Printer Spooling? How Does it Work?

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Mon, 11/18/2024 - 10:03

Ever wonder why your document sometimes doesn’t print instantly, even though you clicked “Print” minutes ago? You’re not alone. Many people who regularly use printers—especially in busy offices—encounter the occasional wait or error message. This is where "printer spooling" comes into play.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we understand printers better than most. With nearly 40 years of experience servicing and setting up printers across Texas and southern Oklahoma, we’ve managed hundreds of printers and tackled countless printing issues.

Through this article, we’ll explain printer spooling, offering insights into how it works, common issues, and ways to keep your printer running smoothly. By the end, you’ll understand printer spooling, how to troubleshoot its errors, and how to optimize it for a more efficient printing experience.

5 Best Practices for Color Printing

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on Fri, 11/15/2024 - 13:23

Color printing can be essential for business materials, from marketing flyers to detailed reports. We all want our color prints to look sharp. But achieving vibrant, professional color prints without overspending on ink or toner requires more than just hitting "print." You need to consider factors like color combinations and printer paper options to use. 

Even when you perform a color printing test before scheduling a large print job, you are still wasting money on ink or toner—and those dollars really add up if your company prints significant amounts of marketing material.

What Are Printer Queues? How Do They Work?

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Wed, 11/06/2024 - 13:43

Are you tired of waiting around for your documents to print, only to find that your job is stuck somewhere in a mysterious "printer queue"? If so, you're not alone.

Understanding print queues can be the key to avoiding these frustrations and ensuring your printing process runs smoothly.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve dealt with printers day in and day out for nearly 40 years. From setup to servicing hundreds of printers, we’ve seen it all. By reading this article, you’ll gain a clear understanding of what printer queues are, how they work, and how you can leverage them for a more efficient workflow.

What Are Printer Drivers and Why Are They Important? 

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:00
Video

 

What are printer drivers, and why are they important to your printer’s daily operation? 

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what a printer driver is and what role they play in the functioning of a printer/copier. 

Printer drivers play an essential role in the performance of your office machine and could end up being the root of the problem if your printer is malfunctioning. 

Understanding printer drivers is essential for ensuring your printer operates smoothly. Printer drivers are like translators, converting data into a format that the printer can understand and process. Without the right driver, your printer won't function properly.

Top Questions You Should Ask Before You Choose an MPS Provider

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 14:41

Are you currently in the process of selecting a Managed Print Services (MPS) provider, or are you exploring your options? Choosing the right MPS provider can be daunting, but fear not—we are here to help you make this important decision.

As a leading print vendor company with over 35 years of experience in providing print services, we understand the challenges and opportunities that come with this decision. Our goal is to empower you with the knowledge and insights necessary to make the best choice for your business.

In this informative article, we’ll discuss the most crucial questions you should ask a potential MPS provider. By sharing our extensive expertise, we aim to equip you with the tools to assess whether an MPS provider is the right fit for your specific needs. We’ll also point out key qualities that make a great MPS provider.

Creating Effective Print Policies for Schools

Submitted by Karla Metzler on Fri, 07/26/2024 - 14:00

In today's educational environment, managing resources effectively is critical. One area that often goes overlooked is the school's print policy. If you’re an educator, administrator, or IT professional looking to develop or refine your school’s print policy, you’re in the right place.

Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT) has extensive experience in providing print and technology solutions to schools for nearly 40 years, and we’ve learned a thing or two about what works and what doesn’t.

In this article, we’ll share valuable insights into developing a robust print policy tailored for schools. We’ll draw on our extensive experience and best practices we’ve shared with our clients. By the end of this read, you'll have a solid understanding of what a good print policy entails and how to implement one effectively in your institution.

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