printing without stress: a guide to your home printer and scanner

Ksvsoft

An independent reference on home printing and scanning. We don't sell devices or supplies, and we don't do repairs. We're not connected with the former site on this domain.

Glossary

Glossary

Printer manuals are written as if the reader already knows everything: "perform printhead alignment," "check the document feeder," "update the firmware." Here we briefly explain these terms in plain language, so the manual stops reading like a magic spell and the messages on your printer's screen stop feeling like personal attacks.

You don't have to know the word "nozzle," but it's nice to understand what exactly dried up in there.

— Editor's note

How this section works: definitions are short and free of numbers. Terms are grouped by topic: the device and its parts, printing and supplies, and software and files. For exact meanings and feature names on your model, see the manual.

The device and its parts

All-in-one device
A printer, scanner, and copier in a single unit. Handy when space is tight and you need all three functions; the downside is that a problem with one part can sometimes get in the way of the others.
Printhead
The part of an inkjet printer that puts ink on paper through many tiny openings called nozzles. When ink dries in them, streaks and gaps show up in your prints; running cleaning from the device menu helps.
Document feeder
A tray on top of a scanner that pulls pages through one at a time. It lets you scan a stack of pages without placing each one on the glass. It doesn't like paper clips, crumpled corners, or stickers.
Firmware
The printer's own built-in software that runs its operation, networking, and security. Manufacturers release updates for it; install them following the manual and only from official sources.

Printing and supplies

Cartridge
A replaceable container of ink or toner. Inkjet printers often have a separate one for each color, while laser printers use a single large unit. They come as originals, from the device manufacturer, or compatibles, from third-party makers.
Toner
The fine, dry powder laser printers print with. It's transferred to the paper and fused with heat, which is why a fresh page from a laser printer can feel warm. Don't blow away spilled toner or vacuum it with a regular vacuum cleaner.
Print resolution
How fine the dots are that the device uses to build an image. Higher resolution means sharper fine detail, but slower printing and more ink. Standard mode is usually enough for text documents.
Double-sided printing
Printing on both sides of the page. The device can flip the paper on its own if it has the hardware for it, or ask you to flip the stack by hand. Saves paper and space in your binder.

Software and files

Driver
Software that tells your computer how to communicate with a specific printer or scanner. Download it only from the official website of your device's manufacturer, choosing your model and operating system.
Print queue
The list of jobs waiting to be sent to the printer. If one job gets stuck, the rest wait behind it. You can open the queue on your computer and cancel anything you don't need.
Text recognition
A feature that turns a scanned image into text you can select, search, or copy. It works best on sharp scans with straight lines of text; it's worth proofreading the result.
Universal document format
A common file format that looks the same on any computer or phone. It's a convenient way to save document scans, including multi-page ones, so you can send them as a single file.
  • Comparisons

    How inkjet, laser, and all-in-one printers differ, original vs. compatible supplies, and a scanner vs. your phone's camera.

  • Guides

    Hands-on guides: connect a printer, print from your phone, save ink, and scan a stack of pages into a single file. The article catalog lives here too.

  • Problems

    What to do when paper jams, pages come out streaky, the printer says it's offline, the print queue gets stuck, or scans come out too dark.

  • Tools

    What's handy to keep near the printer: a supply of the right paper, a soft cloth, a spot for cartridges, a switched power strip, and a folder for scans.

  • Questions

    Answers about this guide, everyday printing at home, and how to scan documents and store scans that contain personal information.

Sources

  • Printer and scanner manuals from manufacturers (in general terms)
  • Security guidance for home network devices (in general terms)
  • Ksvsoft editorial materials

This advice is written in general terms and reflects our editors' understanding as of the review date. Printers and scanners work differently, and their menus and feature names vary too, so your device's manual is always the final word. If it says something different from us, go with the manual.