"Could I use a slightly older spare computer and set that up as a print server?"
Absolutely. Remember that depending on how reliable it is, people will be be pestering you to fix it whenever and wherever you are.
"Or should I just use an external printer server like an HPJetDirect print server?"
I like those. When they work (99.999% do just fine), they just work and never need a reboot.
"If I was going to use a spare computer as a printer server, can anyone give me some direction as to how to set it up?"
If I was going to do this, I'd load up Linux and make this a SMB Printer Share. Fine books and web sites abound on the internet, but your choice here.
Bob
I work in a public school and I want to network a printer that I have. I was wondering what is the best way to do that?
Could I use a slightly older spare computer and set that up as a print server?
Or should I just use an external printer server like an HPJetDirect print server?
If I was going to use a spare computer as a printer server, can anyone give me some direction as to how to set it up?

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