spooling

[beeseejay]

What does 'spooling' mean when related to a printer? I know what a spool is but can't make a connection. TIA

[ChuckFickens]

as a computer term it means sending data to a temporary storage area.

As the computer is able to send the information to the printer a lot quicker then the printer can print it the print data is "spooled" to the onboard memory on the printer where it is held until the printer can "catch up"

This frees up your computer a lot quicker so it can get on with it's work while the printer catches up

[Postdog]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spooling says a bit more

[beeseejay]

Many thanks. That's one less thing to worry my tiny mind!