Install Printer In Linux or Macos

Linux printing

There are several ways to install a printer in linux.
Described below are the two most common used ones :

• smb printing (preferred method)
  
  • uses central printer server to send jobs to printer
  • user needs to authenticate to central printer server
  • user needs to be registered to be allowed  to print on the printer
  • works also for laptops on wireless networks
• lpd printing
  • only printers : mbsd-prt, tibn
  • sends printing jobs to central printer server
  • no user authentication needed
  • works also for laptops on wireless networks
• jetdirect printing (tcp port 9100)
  • only printers : mbsd-prt, tibn, laserop
  • sends printing jobs directly to printer
  • no user authentication needed
  • only works for local network. 
    Means : laptops on wireless network cannot print to printer, because the wireless network is a separate network!
    
• printing via cncz cups server using ipp protocol (still beta)

SMB printing is preferred because it gives the best support. However setting up jetdirect printing to unauthorized printers for  pc's on the same local network is much easier.

For printing instructions from C&CZ see here

Below installations are tested for Ubuntu and Fedora.

Linux SMB printing

• execute as normal user the command: system-config-printer
  On Fedora linux you will automatically be asked for the root password.
  On Ubuntu linux you are allowed to continu if you are an admin user, otherwise you have to supply in a popup window the credentials for a valid admin user.
• in the started gui choose add new printer.
• in the upcoming dialog window choose:
  • Device: Network Printer - Windows printer via Samba
  • SMB Printer: smb://printer-srv.science.ru.nl/<printername>
  • Authenthication: you have choice from two options :
    • user + password
    • 'Prompt user if authentication required' : user must supply password when printing (can be stored in keychain for next prints)
• use as driver "generic postscript"

Note: you can limit the access of a printer. Eg. you can install a printer which uses credentials from user X and only lets user X use it.

Linux LPD printing

• execute as normal user the command: system-config-printer
  On Fedora linux you will automatically be asked for the root password.
  On Ubuntu linux you are allowed to continu if you are an admin user, otherwise you have to supply in a popup window the credentials for a valid admin user.
• in the started gui choose add new printer.
• in the upcoming dialog window choose:
  • Device: Network Printer - LPD/LPR host or printer
  • Host: printer-srv.science.ru.nl
  • Queue: <printername>
• use as driver "generic postscript"

Linux JetDirect printing

• execute as normal user the command: system-config-printer
  On Fedora linux you will automatically be asked for the root password.
  On Ubuntu linux you are allowed to continu if you are an admin user, otherwise you have to supply in a popup window the credentials for a valid admin user.
• in the started gui choose add new printer.
• in the upcoming dialog window choose:
  • Device: Network Printer - AppSocket/HP JetDirect
  • Host: <printername>.science.ru.nl
  • Port Number: 9100
• then it automatically recognizes the printer and lets you configure it