Connecting your printer is the first step after unboxing, and the method you choose affects how you'll interact with the machine going forward. USB is the simplest option, but wireless and Ethernet give you more flexibility, especially if multiple people need to print.
For USB connections, plug one end of the USB cable into the printer and the other into your computer. Most operating systems will detect the printer automatically and install a basic driver. For full functionality, download and install the complete driver package from the manufacturer's support site. USB connections are fast and reliable, but they tie the printer to one computer unless you set up printer sharing through your operating system.
Wireless connections let you print from any device on your network, including phones and tablets. The setup process involves connecting the printer to your Wi-Fi network through the printer's settings menu. Once connected, any device on the same network can find and print to the machine.
Ethernet is the best option for offices where you need rock-solid reliability. Plug an Ethernet cable from the printer into your router or network switch, and the printer gets a stable wired connection. No signal drops, no interference. It just works.
Whichever method you choose, make sure you've got the right drivers installed on every computer that needs to print. The driver is what translates your document into instructions the printer understands. Without it, you might be able to connect but not actually print anything useful.