Issue/Question
- How do I add a printer to Linux?
- What drivers do I need to use?
- How do I ensure the printer works?
Environment
- Oregon State University
- Community Network
- Printers
- Linux
Index
Resolution
To add a printer to Linux first determine the type of Printer. If you know the model/make and the company you can proceed. Otherwise, please give a helpdesk technician the printer name and model/make so we can determine the compatibility.
- Head to the OpenPrinting website for Ricoh printer drivers here.
- Find if the model of Ricoh printer is listed. If so, grab the appropriate driver(s).
- Add normally via TCP/IP or hostname.
HP has provided a freely available tool to grab the drivers and add the printer for you.
- Go to the developers website for HP printers and download the "hplip" tool.
- As admin (sudo) in a terminal navigate to the directory where you downloaded "hplip" and do the following:
- execute the command 'chmod 755 <downloaded_file>' (without single quotes and <>)
- execute the command 'sh hplip-<version>.run' (without single quotes and <>)
- After executing the above commands, you should have no issues with the tool installation process, and should notice an HP icon near the top right system bar on your screen.
- You can use the automatic option when adding printers with "hplip" and should also have this option when installing. More in-depth instructions can be found on the developer's website here.
My printer isn't available or My printer shows offline: As with Windows or Mac OS, check the printer is properly turned on and connected. If it is connected locally with USB or ethernet, check the cable connections are secured (there should be a click with ethernet, and the fit should be snug and fall into place with USB) on both ends. If that does not work, power cycle the printer.
My printer is still unavailable, help?: If the printer is still not available to use, please call the service desk or submit a ticket. We will require the name of the printer and the make/model to troubleshoot faster.
The printer is there, but things do not print correctly: If the printed documents do not look correct, please call the service desk. We can take a look and make sure the proper drivers are being used, and there are no settings preventing the printer from working properly.
I tried to install hplip but the installation process failed: Check the logs on screen to determine which packages may be missing or which settings need to be changed for the installer and tool. The installation document from the HP developers website has information on making sure packages like the GNU C compiler (gcc) and the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) are installed and on configured. If you need assistance please call the service desk or submit a ticket.