Connecting two computers to a printer

[Bob Boner]

I have just gotten my first serious printer (HP Z3200, 24") and I have a question about connecting to it. For space reasons, I have to keep the printer in the basement, and my desktop (Mac Pro) on the first floor. I have a Mac laptop that I can work with next to the printer, and I connect using USB. I prefer to use my desktop for critical work, but apparently it must be connected to the printer to have access to the paper profiles for softproofing. Can I connect it to the printer using the ethernet connection and still use the Mac laptop connected with the USB cord? I know I could just try it, but I am afraid of causing some kind of major catastrophe. If anyone knows the answer, I would appreciate the help. TIA

[ddk]

I have just gotten my first serious printer (HP Z3200, 24") and I have a question about connecting to it. For space reasons, I have to keep the printer in the basement, and my desktop (Mac Pro) on the first floor. I have a Mac laptop that I can work with next to the printer, and I connect using USB. I prefer to use my desktop for critical work, but apparently it must be connected to the printer to have access to the paper profiles for softproofing. Can I connect it to the printer using the ethernet connection and still use the Mac laptop connected with the USB cord? I know I could just try it, but I am afraid of causing some kind of major catastrophe. If anyone knows the answer, I would appreciate the help. TIA

I don't understand why you'd want to use USB when you have ethernet, I'd connect both computers and the printer with a hub or use your wireless router if you have one for the laptop and wired for your MacPro.