Networking with tablets?

Hey welcome to the community. Im as computer lit as you lol. I do know though that yes, anything you do on android requires an app whether its pre-installed or downloaded by you.
The rest ill leave to the computer people

 

I like and use AirDroid for moving files between the computer and my devices. No wires needed.

 

ES File Explorer can also allow you to browse your networked computers.

As for printing, what version of Android is on that device? Newer versions (maybe 4.2 or 4.3) enabled Google - Cloud Print

 

As long as the printer supports it! I have an HP printer that is networked but it doesn't support eprint.

 

You can use Google Cloud Print. Though that needs your PC to be up and running connected to the internet and to the printer.

 

As I suggested to the OP in my previous post in the thread. I was just clarifying that the HP app isn't universally-supported by all HP printers.

 

Cloud print is amazing once it's set up, I can print from anywhere I've ever been to the home office. Incredibly amazing really. All you have to do is get your tablet and / or laptop connected on the same network and voila!

 

Hmm, I stand somewhat corrected. I see now that the ePrint app (which I was not aware was available until mentioned) actually CAN print to my printer, though I presume I need to be on the same network as my printer is NOT ePrint capable. I figured, incorrectly, that it worked using the ePrint capability of the HP printers - which my OfficeJet 6500 doesn't support but my brother's 6500A DOES as it's the updated version of mine to support ePrint.

This will only work if the OP has a network-connected PhotoSmart printer and it's not connected to the laptop using USB then shared over the network.