Want to install a network printer

vsandilya · 06-17-2008, 11:16 AM

I am running Fedora 6 and want to install a network printer (Toshiba eStudio 2500C). I am new to linux. Any help?

Thanks

farslayer · 06-17-2008, 11:40 AM

Simple.. Obtain the .ppd file for the printer
(you can usually snag the .ppd file from the postscript driver for MAC or Windows)

That copier/printer should support LPR printing

make sure CUPS is installed on your Linux Machine then open the CUPS Web Based management interface. http://127.0.0.1:631

Click on Add printer and go through the steps. Provide the IP address and queue name for the printer.
When it gets to driver, point it to the .ppd file you have

If you don't enter a valid queue name you will not get any output.. direct and dssc are listed for the estudio, your printer may have other queues available as well.

btw, when CUPS asks for Login and Password to accept the changes it wants root and your root password.

vsandilya · 06-17-2008, 12:41 PM

Do I have to download the .ppd file for the printer and store it somewhere in my machine?

I opened cups using the web browser(firefox). I clicked on add printer and typed in all the details. I came to a point where I have to enter the device URL. Is this the IP address of the printer which is connected to the network?

Thank you.

farslayer · 06-17-2008, 01:20 PM

Yes, you would need to download that ppd, or grab the one from the driver disc that came with the copier..

Here is my Konica Minolta Bizhub Copier

Code:

Description: Konica Minolta bizhub 600
Location: Processing
Printer Driver: KONICA MINOLTA C252 PS(P)
Printer State: idle, accepting jobs, published.
Device URI: lpd://192.168.0.45/PRINT

So yours would be similar for the URI, something like this...

lpd://192.168.1.100/direct

using the correct IP address of course..

vsandilya · 06-17-2008, 03:29 PM

From the desktop I went into printing and selected HP jetdirect and entered the IP address and made the port as 9100. I selected Generic postscript printer as there was no Toshiba in the drop down menu for the list of printers. I printed a test page and that seems to work. By doing this, I didn't need PPD files for the printer.

I guess I could have done the same by going through cups http://127.0.0.1:631

Thank you.

farslayer · 06-17-2008, 03:48 PM

Yeah you can get a printout to work that way but there is a downside..

the .ppd is a printer definition file. it tells the print server information about the printer such as:
* How many paper trays are on the printer
* What the non-printable areas of the page are
* what resolutions the printer can print at
* what extra features the printer has such as duplex and staple
* if the printer supports color
* etc..

yes generic postscript works, but it will only give you basic functionality, and will only draw paper from tray 1

For instance here is the list of options the .ppd provides for my Minolta Copier

Code:

  	
BizHub600: Options Installed
Paper Sources: PC103
Finisher: FS501&JS601	
Punch Kit: 3 hole	
Saddle Kit: NONE
Printer HDD: Installed
Duplex Unit: Installed
	
BizHub600: General
Collated: 	Off
Paper Source: 	Tray1
Media: 	Plainpaper
Paper Size: Letter
	
BizHub600: Finishing Options
Offset: On
Output Tray: Auto	
Binding Position: Left binding 	
Duplex: 	Off
Combination: 	Off
Staple: 	Off
Punch: 	Off
Fold & Staple: 	Off
Center Erase: 	Off
Front Cover Page: Off	
Paper Tray (Front Cover Page): Off	
Back Cover Page: Off	
Paper Tray (Back Cover Page): 	Off
Transparency Interleave: 	Off
Paper Tray (Transparency Interleave): Off	
Wait Mode: 	Off
Resolution: 	600dpi
Select Color: 	grayscale
Original Image Type: 	document
Color Matching (Text): 	Auto
Pure Black (Text): 	Auto
Screen (Text): 	Auto
Color Matching (Photo): Auto	
Pure Black (Photo): 	Auto
Screen (Photo): 	Auto
Smoothing (Photo): 	Auto
Color Settings (Graphic): Auto	
Smoothing (Graphic): 	Auto

BizHub600: Banners
Starting Banner: NONE	
Ending Banner: 	NONE
	
BizHub600: Policies
Error Policy: 	stop-printer
Operation Policy: default
	
BizHub600: PS Binary Protocol
PS Binary Protocol: TBCP

and here is my Workgroup Network Laser Printer that came with Linux drivers..

Code:

Samsung_ML-2250N: General
Printout Mode: 	Normal
Page Size: 	US Letter
Media Source: 	Default
	
Samsung_ML-2250N: Printout Mode
Color Mode: 	Controlled by 'printout mode'
Resolution: 	Controlled by 'printout mode'
	
Samsung_ML-2250N: Banners
Starting Banner: NONE	
Ending Banner: 	NONE
	
Samsung_ML-2250N: Policies
Error Policy: 	stop-printer
Operation Policy: 	default

Quite a few more options available on the Copier than on my Desktop Laser printer..

so again, yes it works, but imho you are shorting yourself. If all you ever plan to do is print a multi-page printout with no finishing options then I guess it doesn't really matter.