Configuring Plotters on a network

I apologize in advance for the newbie question. I have a network with a
server running NT 4 SP6. About 7 users running Win 2000 and LDD3.

The two plotters (HP1050C & HP650) are hooked up to the network using HP
jetdirect print servers, configured on the NT server and shared across the
network. Would it be better or more efficient to configure each workstation
to connect directly to the plotters via a tcp/ip port?

Thanks for any input you may have.

 

It will be less support - you will no longer need JetAdmin. Also if you have
a static IP available from your ISP, you can use NAT to provide remote
plotting (homeworkers can plot direct to the office over the internet).

 

sorry, but it would mean MORE support, because you have to install the printerdrivers etc on eacht workstation seperatly.

The best solution is:
Install the printer once (using the JetDirect port) on the server.
Configure it's properties and its document defaults perfect before sharing it.
Share it.
Install it on a workstation using start-> run \\servername ok.
Click once on the queue and right click "install..." or "connect.."on w2k and XP. Driver and all settings will be copied over to the workstation.
To add the XP driver on a NT server:
check the MicroSoft Knowledgebase Q320914, download the patch and make the registry key as discribed.
beam up the printer driver form one XP workstation to the NT4 print server.
Works fine over here (1 NT plot server, 30 plotter and printer queues, over 50 clients mixec NT, w2k and XP)