By Virginia A. Lutz
Overview
A print spooler is the part of the printer software that manages printing jobs. It allows printing to be completed "in the background," that is, while other tasks are being done on the computer. Print spoolers generally work without the user's intervention. The spooler is sometimes referred to as the print queue. A queue is simply a line of printing waiting to be done.
Function
A job sent to the printer is temporarily stored in a buffer file. A buffer file is the file that temporarily stores the data until it can be processed for completion. The printer will print the data as the printer is able to process it. This enables the user to continue to use a computer while printing is done simultaneously.
History
The idea of spooling originated with early era mainframes. Spooling was used for data entry. Data cards and printer information were stored on a disk, allowing the processing to be done at a high rate of speed.
Size
Some printers have a relatively small print spooler and are able to store only one or two pages at a time, printing six to eight pages per minute. High-end printers are able to print and store huge amounts of data and print 100 or more pages per minute.
Considerations
Spooling errors are usually caused by miscommunication between the software and the printer or by the installation of incorrect printer drivers. The user should cancel the printing and check printer connections. If the error continues, the user may have to reinstall the printer drivers.
Fun Fact
Spooler is an acronym derived from Simultaneous Peripheral Operations OnLine. The "er" was added to make the word easier to say and distinguish it from, for example, a spool of thread or wire.
Definition of Print Spooler by dynastarelectronics.com