Supplies & Maintenance

How to Clean Printer Heads on Your Inkjet Printer: A Complete Guide

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Fri, 11/01/2024 - 11:26

Are streaky, faded prints driving you crazy? A clogged print head could be to blame. Print heads, especially on inkjet printers, can clog over time, impacting the quality of your documents and photos.

As experts in print technology at Strategic Technology Partners of Texas, we’ve spent nearly 40 years solving printer issues just like this for our clients. We know the ins and outs of printers, from routine maintenance to complex repairs.

This article will walk you through why print heads clog, how to spot the signs, and easy steps to clean them—so you can get back to clear, crisp printing in no time.

Looking for tips on how to clean your printer? Our easy printer cleaning guide will show you the safe steps to get your printer shining again!

What Are the Benefits of our Customer Portal Account?

Submitted by Matthew Eberhart on Fri, 10/18/2024 - 13:11

We know how hectic your day can be. Between managing your business, keeping up with daily operations, and ensuring everything runs smoothly, the last thing you want is another task bogging you down. Whether it’s ordering supplies, scheduling a service call, or paying an invoice, waiting for business hours to resolve these tasks can be frustrating—especially when time is of the essence. 

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we get it. With over 40 years of experience providing top-tier print and office solutions, we’ve seen firsthand how important it is to make things easier and more efficient for our customers.  

What Are Printer Drivers and Why Are They Important? 

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Thu, 10/03/2024 - 09:00
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What are printer drivers, and why are they important to your printer’s daily operation? 

If you’re like most people, you probably don’t know what a printer driver is and what role they play in the functioning of a printer/copier. 

Printer drivers play an essential role in the performance of your office machine and could end up being the root of the problem if your printer is malfunctioning. 

Understanding printer drivers is essential for ensuring your printer operates smoothly. Printer drivers are like translators, converting data into a format that the printer can understand and process. Without the right driver, your printer won't function properly.

Copy Paper vs. Multipurpose Paper: What's the Difference and Which is Best for Your Printer?

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Fri, 09/20/2024 - 13:06

Have you ever stood in the office supply aisle, staring at shelves filled with different types of paper, wondering, “Which one do I actually need?” Maybe you’ve experienced the frustration of loading a new ream of paper into your printer only to end up with smudges, jams, or ink that just doesn’t look right. You’re not alone—choosing the right paper can be confusing, especially when faced with options like copy paper and multipurpose paper. They sound and look similar, but they serve distinct functions that can make a big difference in your print quality and efficiency.

How to Fix the "Printer is Offline" Error: A Step-by-Step Guide

Submitted by Joel Metzler on Fri, 09/13/2024 - 10:03

Are you trying to print an important document, but your printer has other plans? The "printer is offline" error seems to pop up at the worst times, right when you're rushing to finish that report or project. It's frustrating, time-consuming, and, quite frankly, can leave you feeling stuck.  

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we get it. With nearly 40 years of experience, we've helped countless people just like you solve their printer woes. In this article, we'll tackle this problem head-on. We’ll explain what this error means and ways to fix it.

Let’s dive in and get that printer back online so you can get back to what really matters.

What Does the “Printer is Offline” Issue Indicate?

When your printer shows as offline, it means your computer isn’t able to communicate with the printer. This could happen for several reasons:

Printer Toner vs. Ink: Which One is Right for You?

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Fri, 09/06/2024 - 14:42

When it comes to printing, one of the most common sources of confusion is understanding the difference between toner and ink. If you've ever wondered why your office printer uses one over the other or which option might be better for your needs, you’re not alone. Knowing the key differences between toner and ink is crucial, whether you're trying to manage costs, improve print quality, or choose the type of printer best for you.

At Strategic Technology Partners of Texas (STPT), we’ve spent nearly 40 years helping businesses and individuals navigate the maze of printing solutions. Specializing in laser printers, we understand the strengths and weaknesses of both toner and ink. We've seen firsthand how choosing the right printing technology can make or break productivity in an office.

How to Safely Clean Your Printer (Step-By-Step) 

Submitted by Nolan Fowler on Thu, 07/25/2024 - 09:00

"How do you properly clean a printer? How often should I clean it? Do I even need to?"

These are common questions that many printer owners will eventually ask. Cleaning your printer or copier is crucial when it's a machine you rely on every day for your business's document processes.

If you don’t clean your printer, you may encounter various service or print issues, which could lead to costly repairs or the need to replace the printer. Additionally, using incorrect materials to clean your printer could cause damage to the machine.

So, how do you clean your printer the right way?

A3 Printer vs. A4 Printer: What’s the Difference? 

Submitted by Mary Shamburger on Thu, 07/18/2024 - 09:00

Office printers/copiers are divided primarily into two categories: A3 and A4 machines.​

What are the differences between the two types of machines? And why should you be aware of them?

To get the right printer for your company, you need to understand whether you need an A3 or A4 machine. There are clear distinctions between the two.

As a vendor that has sold office printing equipment for almost 40 years, we’ve gathered the expertise necessary to inform you of the differences between A3 and A4 machines and summarize who would and wouldn’t be a fit for each.

A3 vs A4 Comparison Infographic

Let’s dive into the blog, starting with A3 machines first:

Top 5 Best Printer Paper Options for Teachers (2024)

Submitted by Liz Adair on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 13:32

As teachers nationwide continue to fight for higher pay, many are still required to stock their classroom supplies for the school year. 

However, school supplies can be costly for teachers, especially those just starting out. In 2022, the average salary for a public-school teacher in the United States was $66,000. This number is only an average. In some states, public-school teachers make as little as $30,000 a year. When you consider the rate of inflation, teacher salaries have decreased by three percent in recent years despite raises and annual pay increases.

Unfortunately, many schools also lack the funds to offer supply stipends to teachers.

A Guide to Standard Printer Paper Sizes

Submitted by Byanka Ramos on Fri, 07/12/2024 - 10:23

Have you ever found yourself staring at a dropdown list of paper sizes on your printer settings, wondering why there are so many options? It's like trying to pick the right fork at a fancy dinner—confusing and overwhelming. The confusion can double if you're an office worker dealing with international clients. You want to ensure your documents print correctly on the other side of the pond, but the varying paper sizes can make it challenging.

Why are there so many paper sizes? What do they all mean, and when is it best to use each? These questions are all too common in the printer world. As print vendors for nearly 40 years, we know the ins and outs of printing and paper.

Today, we’re here to help you navigate the world of printer paper sizes. By the end of this blog, you'll understand the different paper sizes, their uses, and how to choose the right one for your needs.

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