Printing: Difference between revisions
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*be aware that Linux uses Postscript or PDF technology as the basis for its print sub-system |
*be aware that Linux uses Postscript or PDF technology as the basis for its print sub-system |
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**printers that use Postscript, PDF or perhaps PCL print languages are readily supportable and likely to remain so |
**printers that use Postscript, PDF or perhaps PCL print languages are readily supportable and likely to remain so |
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**most entry-level printers do '''not''' use those technologies, that require additonal processing resouces which in turn adds cost |
**most entry-level printers do '''not''' use those technologies, that require additonal processing resouces, which in turn adds cost |
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**be prepared to purchase a mid-range printer (or multi-function device). |
**be prepared to purchase a mid-range printer (or multi-function device). |
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=== Printer Recommendations === |
=== Printer/Multi-Function Device Recommendations === |
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The following factors might assist preparation of a "short-list" |
The following factors might assist preparation of a "short-list" |
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*HP provide Linux support for most of their devices |
*HP provide Linux support for most of their devices |
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*Brother multi-functions all support scanning via network |
*Brother multi-functions all support scanning via network |
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**mid-range models do use Postscript and should be supportable long-term |
**mid-range models do use Postscript and should be supportable long-term |
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*Epson printers are often supported |
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**drivers included with Linux often don't support higher resolutions |
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**full-function drivers are available from http://download.ebz.epson.net/dsc/search/01/search/?OSC=LX |
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**most multi-function devices scan via USB interface only and not via network. |
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--[[User:Rpeters|Rpeters]] 09:02, 1 September 2013 (EST) |
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[[:Technical Info]] |
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Revision as of 23:02, 31 August 2013
For General Users
New users of Linux may find that their printer (and scanner) is neither supported nor supportable. Simplest option is to (carefully) purchase a new printer.
Selection Guideance
- be aware that Linux uses Postscript or PDF technology as the basis for its print sub-system
- printers that use Postscript, PDF or perhaps PCL print languages are readily supportable and likely to remain so
- most entry-level printers do not use those technologies, that require additonal processing resouces, which in turn adds cost
- be prepared to purchase a mid-range printer (or multi-function device).
All of the following pre-purchase research is strongly recommended
- download the relevant driver from the manufacturer's web site
- check for availability of alternate drivers at: http://www.openprinting.org/printers
- install the relevant driver prior to purchase
- in almost all cases this can be achieved without the printer physically present
- seek assistance in a Linux forum if the drivers are not available or don't install
Troubleshooting
The direct interface to the Linux printing sub-system (CUPS) on your computer is via the URL http://localhost:631
- this is also usually the most capable and reliable interface
- other setup routines are provided in many Distributions
- these might not detect downloaded drivers and are thus less reliable
Failure to print, although the driver is installed, can result from unsuitable settings.
- from the CUPS Administratin tab, select
- Manage Printers -> Set Default Options
- check the settings for and adjuxt if necessary
- paper size (usually A4 is appropriate)
- paper source (tray (cassette) or manual)
Printer/Multi-Function Device Recommendations
The following factors might assist preparation of a "short-list"
- HP provide Linux support for most of their devices
- low-end devices would be reliant on continuation of this support, as would be the case with other brands
- Fuji-Xerox have argueably the best colour laser technology
- CP/CM 305 series are the lowest cost models having Linux support
- and are competitively priced, for the capability provided
- Brother multi-functions all support scanning via network
- mid-range models do use Postscript and should be supportable long-term
- Epson printers are often supported
- drivers included with Linux often don't support higher resolutions
- full-function drivers are available from http://download.ebz.epson.net/dsc/search/01/search/?OSC=LX
- most multi-function devices scan via USB interface only and not via network.
--Rpeters 09:02, 1 September 2013 (EST)
