The Linux Printing Usage HOWTO

1. Introduction

This document describes how to use the line printer spooling system provided with the Linux operating system. This HOWTO is the supplementary document to the Linux Printing Setup HOWTO, which discusses the installation and setup of the Linux printing system. The material presented in this HOWTO should be equally relevent for all flavors of the BSD operating system in addition to the Linux operating system.

1.1 Linux Printing HOWTO History

Note from Mark Komarinski <markk at auratek.com>:

I'd like to thank Matt Foster for doing a lot of work in the re-write of this HOWTO. I'm keeping his style, and adding when necessary to keep everything updated.

Note from Matt Foster <mwf at engr.uark.edu>:

This version of the Linux Printing HOWTO is a complete rewrite of the one originally written by Grant Taylor <grant at god.tufts.edu> and Brian McCauley <B.A.McCauley at bham.ac.uk>. I have tried to keep with the coverage of material presented by Grant and Brian's HOWTO, but I have drastically modified the style of presentation and the depth of material covered. I feel that this makes the HOWTO more complete and easier to read. I can only hope that you agree.

1.2 Version History

v1.2.2

• Re-indexed, other changes to fit in the new RedHat docs. Thanks Ed!

• updates, some changes for Dr. Linux publication

• Windows Printers
• Changing max size of print files

• new maintainter!
• Added lpc info
• Added some info for troubleshooting
• A start on printing graphics files!

v1.1

• revised some of the wording
• developed section on PostScript printing
• attempted to clarify some of the examples 8-)
• fleshed the discussion of the basic Linux printing utilities

v1.0

• initial public release of the Printing Usage HOWTO

1.3 Copyrights and Trademarks

Some names mentioned in this HOWTO are claimed as copyrights and/or trademarks of certain persons and/or companies. These names appear in full or initial caps in this HOWTO.

(c) 1995 Matt Foster (mwf at engr.uark.edu)
(c) 1996-1997 Mark F. Komarinski (markk at auratek.com)

All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this copyright notice.

That is, you may not produce a derivative work from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at the address given below.

In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this information through as many channels as possible. However, we do wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs.

If you have questions, please contact Tim Bynum, the Linux HOWTO coordinator, at <linux-howto at sunsite.unc.edu>. You may finger this address for phone number and additional contact information.

1.4 Downloading the Linux Printing HOWTOs

I recommend that if you want to print a copy of this HOWTO that you download the PostScript version. It is formatted in a fashion that is aesthetically appealing and easier to read. You can get the PostScript version from one of the many Linux distribution sites (such as SunSITE ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/pub/Linux/docs/HOWTO/).

1.5 Feedback

Questions, comments, or corrections for this HOWTO may be directed to <markk at auratek.com>.

1.6 Acknowledgments

Thanks go out to all of the people who took the time to read the alpha version of this HOWTO and respond with many helpful comments and suggestions---some of you may see your comments reflected in the version.

I'd also like to thank Matt Foster who did the original re-write.