Newsgroups: comp.os.linux.misc

> If you know how the printer filter driver works within Linux,
> you will understand what I am talking about here.
>
> I want to use a laser printer which are hooked to the ethernet RJ45
> from Linux hosts.  A printer can have an IP number.  However,
> if you use it that way, the Linux lpd simply sends a raw request
> to the host, i.e., the printer.  In this case, unlike a Linux or
> MSWindoes
> host, the printer does not have any printer filter software, i.e., the
> ghostscript software in the case of a Linux.
> So, basically, printing will fail.
>
> What can we do about this?  In the case of HP printers, they
> provide Solaris JetDirect Software.  However, there is no
> such thing for Linux.

On your Linux system, configure the printer settings as if the printer was on the parallel port. This will result in the printer filters being set up and an entry in the /etc/printcap with a part like:

lp:lp=/dev/lp0:sd=/var/spool/lpd … etc

now change the 'lp=/dev/lp0' part into:

'rm=<host name>:rp=<queue name>'

in order to let lpd contact the print server <host name> and submit the job to <queue name>.

Roel Brand.

documented on: 2000.06.24