I brought a computer online which is operated by Ubuntu and I know nothing about it. I had an HP printer that I couldn't get to function. I was told that HP didn't have drivers (or something like that) for Linux Ubuntu. I just brought a Lexmark which showed on the box was okay for Linux but when I load the installation disc I can't figure how to get to the "Welcome" screne and follow it through the installation. I do not kow computer terms (a newbie) and will need to be taken step-by-step through the process, if it's even possible. Thanks

Start you're computer while the printer is switched on.
If UBUNTU does not discover the printer try System>Administration>Printing>Printer.
Let it search for the printer.
It might be that if it discover the printer that it will download the driver if so let it download.

Thanks for the advice I will try that right now.

HP printers have the best support in Linux, Lexmark have the worst...
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Ubuntu Forums - Absolute Beginner Talk - http://ubuntuforums.org/forumdisplay.php?f=326

Basic Toolkit
1) Download the Linux Starter Pack - http://www.tuxradar.com/linuxstarterpack
2) Look at the UNOFFICIAL Ubuntu Guide - http://ubuntuguide.org/wiki/Ubuntu:Karmic
3) Look at Psychocats - http://www.psychocats.net/ubuntu
4) Download the Ubuntu Pocket Guide and Reference - http://www.ubuntupocketguide.com/index_main.html

Hey Ronlau,
I did what you suggested and my new printer is showing up in my list of printers (as my other 2 did) but its showing 29 test pages to print but its still not printing. I know there's something I need to do but I don't know exactly what that is. It definitely shows the computer either added or registered. Any more suggestions?

Click on this link, it will open the CUPS web interface to administer your printer. You can delete some of those test pages and set other options.

http://localhost:631

Hi,

Welcome to LQ!

'CUPS System Administrator's Guide' should aid you.

Just a few more links to aid you with getting familiar with GNU/Linux;

Linux Documentation Project
Rute Tutorial & Exposition
Linux Command Guide
Utimate Linux Newbie Guide
LinuxSelfHelp
Getting Started with Linux
Advanced Bash-Scripting Guide
Linux Home Networking


The above links and others can be found at 'Slackware-Links'. More than just Slackware® links!

Thanks guys for all your help so far. I am really not computer smart so all of this is Greek to me but I will try everything you suggest just to have a printer again. I'll let you know how it all works out. Thanks again.

Hey Gary, I tried the CUPS Administration thing and its doing the same thing. Its showing the printer, it says its printing, and it then shows that its done but the printer does nothing. Its like the computer is sending the signal or command but the printer is not receiving it. Does that help with where to send me next?

Walt

Can you tell me what this means? Maybe that's what I need to do.

I've only ever set up one printer (a cheap HP Deskjet), and no problems cropped up, so I can't really help.

First thing to do at this point is to delete all print jobs that are queued up to be printed. Go to http://localhost:631/jobs and delete all jobs listed. Next go to http://localhost:631/printers/ and delete all printers except your Lexmark that you have connected. After that try to print a test page and see what it does. It can be anything, even this page right here.

Hi,

As stated by others you should delete all the stale jobs. Sounds like you just kept pressing 'print test page' to fill the Que. If initially the first test page had some fault or a setup error.

You may need to remove the printer then add it back again with the proper driver.