[ Linux Today reader Grant Taylor
writes: ]
“I’ve recently made significant updates to the Printing HOWTO and its
associated printer
support database. These include:
- Complete coverage of PDQ, a printing system for
Unix-like systems which is a big improvement over traditional
spooling systems like LPD. PDQ allows for flexible user control
over printing and printer-specific options like duplexing, paper
trays, quality modes, etc. - Information on printing photographs, centered around today’s
common color inkjets. - A new “proofread” flag in the database; all printers in the
compatibility list are marked when I proofread new information.
This gives users an appropriate level of confidence in the
information. - A new utility called “PDQ-O-Matic”, which automagically
converts the information in the database into a PDQ driver
specification for the printer. This greatly simpifies
configuration, even for traditionally “difficult” printers like
Lexmarks or the PPA Deskjets. - Work on an equivalent utility for the cups_filter package of
free CUPS driver specifications is underway; to see the initial
effort view the CUPS-O-Matic link. These will soon be included in
the cups_filter package as backup descriptions for printers with no
hand-tooled PPD file.
Note that most Linux distributions (and sometimes even the Linux
Documentation Project site) currently contain a slightly older
version of this HOWTO; be sure to obtain the latest from the URL
below – you want version 4.5 or later.
About the Printing HOWTO
The Printing HOWTO is the best starting point for any
investigation into Linux printing. It covers all aspects of
printing, including local and remote printing, printing to and from
different operating systems, and coverage and examples for common
software like LPD, PDQ, and Ghostscript.
The Printing HOWTO’s web-based support database has complete
Linux information on over 400 printers. The information is
distribution agnostic and encapsulates the experiences of roughly
7000 (!) contributors. A very brief summary of the database appears
in the HOWTO itself, but for the full information and recent
updates consult the website.
The HOWTO, the database, and a few other printing resources are
located at http://www.picante.com/~gtaylor/pht/.”