Maybe distro but the few problems people have posted relate to various distros.
But there is more than one way to skin cats.. (as I have discovered so far) ..
1st) Connect to
http://localhost:631 where you can twiddle about with printer(s) settings.
2nd) If you don't like/want GUI then you can use :
Code:
/usr/bin/enable name_of_printer
you can find name_of_printer by using :
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is ready
no entries
..userme]#
this last command also tells you the (apparent) status of the printer and if any jobs are in the print queue. More below on 'apparent' status. If something waiting in print queue you get detail. Now, 'apparent':
If the printer is powered down from the mains supply, not with front panel power button, or USB cable unplugged and you use
Code:
/usr/bin/enable name_of_printer
and immediately issue
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is ready and printing
Rank Owner Job File(s) Total Size
1st userme 12 STDIN 11748662 Bytes
..userme]#
it looks like the printer is OK and ready to go. Not so! Wait a couple of seconds and again try
Code:
..userme]# /usr/bin/lpq
hpphotosmart7700 is not ready
Rank Owner Job File(s) Total Size
1st userme 12 STDIN 11748662
See.. printer isn't actually ready. The only time it seems that the printer is actually checked for status is when a print job is sent to it.
There must be an easier way to determine the status of the printer without having to go through this procedure every time.
Without any more tips I am stuck with getting crond to do period checks and I haven't delved into the mysteries of that command yet.
More words of wisdom?
(I searched around for a file which might indicate printer status, e.g. /tmp/files & /cups* directories: nada)
