Ubuntu Documentation > Ubuntu 8.04 LTS > Printing, Faxing and Scanning > Printing

Printing

Most printers will be automatically supported by Ubuntu. The Printer Configuration application allows you to add printers, as well as modify their settings. You can also use this application to share the printer with other computers on a network, disable the printer, or restart it.

Local Printing

A local printer is one which is directly connected to your computer (as opposed to a network printer, discussed in the following section). To setup a new local printer:

  • Plug your printer into your computer and power it on. Most printers will automatically be detected an configured. Once detected, a printer icon will appear in the notification area and after waiting a few moments, you should get a popup with the text "Printer is ready for printing."

If your printer was not detected after a few moments, then you will need to follow these steps:

  1. Obtain the model name of your printer.

  2. Ensure the printer is turned on.

  3. Choose System → Administration → Printing

  4. Now choose New Printer.

  5. Your printer should be automatically detected. If so, simply click Forward and then Apply.

  6. Finally, you can enter in a description and location for your printer.

If your printer was not automatically detected, you can try to select the port and printer driver manually. Some printers need further setup. Search the databases at LinuxPrinting.org or check the Ubuntu Wiki's Printer page for possible information on your printer.

Network Printing

You can also configure your Ubuntu system to send print jobs to a remote print server. Remote printers are hosted somewhere on a network. To configure a remote printer:

  1. Obtain the model name of your printer.

  2. Ensure the printer is turned on.

  3. Choose System → Administration → Printing

  4. Now choose New Printer.

  5. If your printer is directly connected to a Windows machine on your network, choose Windows Printer via SAMBA. Otherwise, select the protocol your printer uses to communicate.

  6. Insert the details of the network printer and click Forward.

  7. Select the printer model and then click Apply.

  8. Finally, you can enter in a description and location for your printer.

[Note]

If you do not know the protocol or details of your network printer, you should consult your network administrator.

Testing a Printer

To test whether a local or remote printer works correctly:

  1. Choose System → Administration → Printing

  2. Select the printer's name in the list.

  3. Under the Settings tab, Click Print Test Page. A page should then be sent for printing.

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