Network connections like Wi-Fi and Ethernet don’t always work well for low-level tasks, such as installing firmware updates. Guest author Suman Chakrabarti had to ditch wireless entirely and return to the device’s simplest connection method—a USB 2.0 cable—to resurrect a nearly decade-old laser printer.

HP unintentionally revoked a security certificate that broke printing for many Mac users. Some may be able to reinstall updated HP drivers successfully, whereas others should use AirPrint or a generic PostScript driver instead.

For anyone who needs to print in situations where there are no power outlets and where cables would be fussy, the battery-powered, Wi-Fi-enabled Canon Pixma iP110 is a reasonably priced, robust solution.