One system on the network needs to be allocated the task of hosting the printer and the PaperCut NG application. Users will print via this system so it needs to be left on most for most of the time. An existing file server is ideal, however someone's desktop system will also suffice.

PaperCut NG is well known for its ease-of-use. It is a self-maintaining system with a simple to use web-based interface. Apart from the initial set up, and the recommendation to incorporate the application's data into a backup procedure, no further technical administration and support is required.

Workgroup environments are common on small networks. They differ from a domain environment in that they are not centrally authenticated via a server. Users may use a system that automatically logs in as "a user" or maybe they just log in locally on their workstations. See Chapter 20, Running in a Workgroup Environment for more information on the ways in which PaperCut NG can be installed in a workgroup environment.

All users can be set up as "unrestricted". In this mode, users can start of with a zero balance and count down as they print. Their balance indicates their printing value to date.

PaperCut NG records data in real-time. Full print logs and reports are available at any time and can be accessed using a standard web browser. The manager can log into the administration interface and access the reports at any time.

All reports and activity lists can be exported to Microsoft Excel. To access the Excel data, click on the small Excel icon located next to the report name, or the icon at the bottom of the print log.