Set up a printer

This article describes how to set up a local printer, i.e. a printer that is attached to your desktop. We will use cups as printing system.

= Connect your printer =
 * Connect your printer to power
 * Connect your printer to your computer

= Install CUPS = Find out your distribution and install CUPS by its means, as described in Installing software.

Example With SUSE Linux, you install CUPS like this: yast2 -i cups

= Start CUPS = Start CUPS by opening a console and typing: /etc/init.d/cups start You can make this start persistent by configuring runlevels.

= Configure CUPS =
 * Point your browser to http://localhost:631
 * You see a headline with "Common UNIX Printing System"


 * Choose Administration -> Add Printer
 * Enter name, location and description to your choice
 * Choose a device, e.g. "HP Officejet 6100 series"
 * If your printer is not listed
 * Check that your printer is recognized by the kernel to be connected by opening a conSole and entering the command

hwinfo --printer
 * If your printer is not displayed, check the cables or update cups.


 * Choose a model, e.g. "HP Officejet 6100 - CUPS+Gutenprint v5.0.2 (en)"
 * Click on "Add Printer"
 * Enter your root password

= Test your printer =
 * In the brower window, choose Printers -> Print Test Page
 * A test page should appear from your printer

kwrite
 * In your console, start kwrite, write a text and print it

= See also =
 * printing