Tracing Printing Jobs

[galar]

I need to make a program in VB that will trace all the printing jobs that are sent to different printers in the PC. Basicly, I need to know the date, time, name of computer in the net (if it comes from different computer) and the name of the file.
I don't know where can I find this information - whether it is some file in Windows which keeps all those records, or I need to collect this information specifically from each printer by any unknown to me way?
I just need to know where all this information stored (if it does).

Any advices will be higly appreciated.
Thanks

 

[KimberTech]

Are the printers for your network on their own server?

This will depend what operating system you are using.

Windows NT already tracks this for you and is built in...if you are not using server software, that makes a difference.
More info required.

I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided.

 

[galar]

I'll explain you.
I've created a program which provides business solutions to different companies.
One of our client is an arcitecture firm and they have a lot of printing to do. They have several computers and several printers on the network to which the printer jobs sent. I think they're working with Novell Server. They need to trace all the printing jobs in order to charge their clients later. Apparently, they need to know what computer sent the printing job and any other information available.

Of course, I want this program to be universal - that it could work with different kind of printers.
I think that maybe I can use the Windows API functions for this, but I don't know which.
If you know where I can get some info on this matter, I will be grate.

Thanks

 

[ceh4702]

The ideal way to do this is to have all of the printers be network printers and have all print material go to a Print server that has some type of log. In novell (Spell) each Printer Object has it's own Print Que. So if you had a server for just printers, you could just print out the log or something like that. Either that or read the log and make a chart of accounts. Novell has accounting built in I do beleive. It could probably keep track of the number of pages printed. We don't use this type of accounting but it is implementable with most network software. When I print something on Novell I get a message telling me every time Something I print is printed on a network printer. There may be some third party products that can be installed to control this. I have seen products that store files on server that give each file a document number. I have only ever taken one class in networking and it was novell netware 4.1. If you do not like my post feel free to point out your opinion or my errors.

 

[galar]

Thanks for your answer. The problem is that I'm familiar with network less than you. I think that I need to learn more about this and not only Novell but NT as well because I want this program to be universal for all types of networking. I know that programs like this exist (pcCounter and ect.), but I wish I knew how they work.
Another thing. What is a Print Server? I'm sorry for this dump question, but now you understand how little I know about networking.
Anyway, thanks for you answer. If you have some helpful links - do post.

Thanks

 

[KimberTech]

There is no such thing as a dumb question.
Only really stupid mistakes because you didnt ask any questions.

A print server....the easy version, is a computer that runs all the printers on your network.
The reason that is good, is because network operating systems can be used, and permissions set for who can print and who can not. Also the print jobs can be tracked.
Another thing that can be set up is a priority list for printing for each printer. EG: If you are the boss then your print job goes through first.
Lots of benefits, and there is more to it than that...but that is the idea.

If you want to learn about networks, the best link I have EVER found is here:

http://www.helmig.com

This man is amazing, and he uses TONS of pictures to show you how things work.
Really outstanding site.

Hope this helps...let me know.
I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided.

 

[galar]

Thanks a lot.
I'll try to learn from this site. If I'll have more questions - I know where to find you.

 

[KimberTech]

You are quite welcome.

Good Luck!

I pledge to share any information I have and advise to the best of my knowledge based on the information provided.