Linux Easy Printer Setup Guide
November 22, 2009 1 Comment
Setting up a printer is a doddle
People seem to have major issues with printer installation and setup. I don’t know why because it’s easy when you avoid all the guis and go for the cups web interface.
I have a HP Deskjet 845C, it works on every linux distro using the cups browser method.
On most Linux distros, cups is available in the repository, if not already installed and activated at boot. So just do a search for cups or printer and install Cups if needed.
Then get your HP/Other make drivers
I always install Foomatic Hpijs.
Next start the cups server
Debian/Ubuntu based boxes: sudo /etc/init.d/cups restart
Archlinux and others: sudo /etc/rc.d/cups start
Configure your printer from your web browser
Next, open your web browser and type the address http://localhost:631 which is your print server port. You will be greeted with the cups html printer setup page similar to the image below.
Now you just hit “Add Printer” and go through the motions of selecting your printer and driver etc.
Just click all the links and check out what’s on offer, you can add users to the printer and change the default settings, all much easier than some desktop printer config utilities.
When you are done, print a test page.
About rich scadding
When trying to add a printer, I get a pop up window asking me for my admin id and password. I use it as root but I get the 404 page.
I am in linux Mint .
Do you know what I am doing wrong?
Thank you!