Print server vs. peer network print sharing

[johnsuth@nospam.com.au]

If an educated person with help from this forum cannot make Windows peer network printer sharing work all, as opposed to most, of the time, then perhaps he should look at the now cheap as chips stand alone print server boxes (Netgear is in the shops here). He will be grateful to receive some information before making a purchase.

What dependencies do these have on Windows?
Do they require authentication of users?
How well do they contend between simultaneous users?
Do they constrain the size of the page image?
Do they behave differently between Postscript and bitmap printers?

Thanks.