Connecting my Printer

[Justin Smith]

I'm booted to Ubuntu 11.10 on my laptop, and I'm trying to connect to my networked printer, but it won't connect.

I go and click "add"


I then click "Windows Printer via SAMBA"


I then click my server, but I'm getting nowhere.


Anyone know what I'm doing wrong? Thanks!

[hedgeclippers]

I don't have Ubuntu but know when I connect with my laptop between my two windows computers I use my windows password otherwise I might be able to see the printer but I can't print to it on my desktop. So if there is a way for you to enter your password to your host computer then you should be able to both see and use the printer. I have heard you can print directly to your printer without using a host computer and my printer is supposed to be able to do that but so far I haven't been able to do it myself. I hope my advice helps and wish you luck. There are others who have used Ubuntu or linux as they also call it so hopefully they will post too and be able to more directly answer your question.

[ray2047]

Justin, these are the sort of questions best asked in an Ubuntu forum. Very few here use Linux and even fewer probably have technical expertise to answer your question.

[Justin Smith]

I don't have Ubuntu but know when I connect with my laptop between my two windows computers I use my windows password otherwise I might be able to see the printer but I can't print to it on my desktop. So if there is a way for you to enter your password to your host computer then you should be able to both see and use the printer. I have heard you can print directly to your printer without using a host computer and my printer is supposed to be able to do that but so far I haven't been able to do it myself. I hope my advice helps and wish you luck. There are others who have used Ubuntu or linux as they also call it so hopefully they will post too and be able to more directly answer your question.

I don't have a password on the printer.

Justin, these are the sort of questions best asked in an Ubuntu forum. Very few here use Linux and even fewer probably have technical expertise to answer your question.

Ok, I just posted there. I'll let you know the outcome.

[tldoug]

I, too, don't use Ubuntu, I use OpenSuse. That being said, you aren't very clear about your network topology. Is your printer connected directly to the network through its own interface or is it shared off a Windows computer? If the first, use the "LPR/LPD Host or Printer" option. You will need to know the IP address of your printer on the LAN. I recommend selecting a PostScript driver from the list of printer drivers if one is available for your printer.

If you're connecting the printer through a windows computer, I don't do that and cannot offer much insight.

[Justin Smith]

Is your printer connected directly to the network through its own interface or is it shared off a Windows computer?

It's shared through CHAD-PC. (Windows computer)

If you're connecting the printer through a windows computer, I don't do that and cannot offer much insight.

Thanks anyway, I haven't gotten a nibble at the Ubuntu forums either.

[hedgeclippers]

Justin I think you misunderstood what I was saying about passwords. I should have been more clear I apologize. What I meant by a password was your host computers password not a password on your printer itself. I know myself I can't print to my printer until I use my desktops password. I hope that helps when you communicate with the ubuntu forum.

[Justin Smith]

Justin I think you misunderstood what I was saying about passwords. I should have been more clear I apologize. What I meant by a password was your host computers password not a password on your printer itself. I know myself I can't print to my printer until I use my desktops password. I hope that helps when you communicate with the ubuntu forum.

Ahh. I had to remove the password from the windows home-group (No clue why I need it, no one's hacking my wifi any time soon, and I don't have any Ethernet jacks outside yet. Anyway, once I did that, I just had to plug in my Ethernet cable, install the drivers, and print the test page. I have screen shots if anyone would like to see.

Thanks for your replies!

[hedgeclippers]

I am glad you have your printer working Justin but if you live anywhere near your next door neighbor then you might want to reconsider the windows password,not because they can't be hacked because they can but it at least is a barrier between you and the bad guys out there. If on the other hand your neighbors are not anywhere near you then it shouldn't be an issue.

[Sparky7474]

Just and FYI, even though you were able to get your printer connected, you are leaving your network open for threats especially removing the windows password. Just my 2 cents, but anyways why are you using a linux base OS anyways. What benefits are you getting out of it to use this free linux base OS? Just another FYI because you are trying to use windows base peripherals, you are going to run into snags all the time. If there is no huge benefit from using Ubuntu, I truely advise using a more friendlier OS. Heck if you don't like MS OS, use Apples... less of a headache. Again also my 2 cents.

[ray2047]

Sparky7474, LOL. First you warn him about leaving himself vulernable then ask him why he uses Linux. There are no know viruses or Trojans or malware in the wild known to infect a Linux based Os. Heck, Linux doesn't even have a registry so all the little nasties that nest in Windows' registry wouldn't even have a place to live. Note also both Linux and Mac are derived from Unix but one is expensive to own.

Many versions of Linux are as easy to use as Windows if not easier. The fact you had to ask indicates you haven't seriously tried to use it. I'd suggest you burn a Live Cd and try Linux. No need to install it. It will run fine from the CD. KDE Desktop » PCLinuxOS

[Justin Smith]

I am glad you have your printer working Justin but if you live anywhere near your next door neighbor then you might want to reconsider the windows password,not because they can't be hacked because they can but it at least is a barrier between you and the bad guys out there. If on the other hand your neighbors are not anywhere near you then it shouldn't be an issue.

While I live within 5' of my neighbours and my wifi reaches 1000', my 30-digit alpha-numerical password seems much harder to crack than the windows password. (sorry this sounds cocky, I'm not trying to be)

Just and FYI, even though you were able to get your printer connected, you are leaving your network open for threats especially removing the windows password. Just my 2 cents, but anyways why are you using a linux base OS anyways. What benefits are you getting out of it to use this free linux base OS? Just another FYI because you are trying to use windows base peripherals, you are going to run into snags all the time. If there is no huge benefit from using Ubuntu, I truely advise using a more friendlier OS. Heck if you don't like MS OS, use Apples... less of a headache. Again also my 2 cents.

I only have 2 computers running windows 7 full time-my dad's laptop and my server (Which is due for a replacement anyway, it's 2 years old and only has a 330GB HDD.)

I enjoy the OS better, as it's easier to use, doesn't cost $150, there's no viruses, it's much more stable, and there's thousands of programs that I can get legally and free.

I cannot afford a Mac, and I don't like that I can't build one from scratch.

Sparky7474, LOL. First you warn him about leaving himself vulernable then ask him why he uses Linux. There are no know viruses or Trojans or malware in the wild known to infect a Linux based Os. Heck, Linux doesn't even have a registry so all the little nasties that nest in Windows' registry wouldn't even have a place to live. Note also both Linux and Mac are derived from Unix but one is expensive to own.

Many versions of Linux are as easy to use as Windows if not easier. The fact you had to ask indicates you haven't seriously tried to use it. I'd suggest you burn a Live Cd and try Linux. No need to install it. It will run fine from the CD. KDE Desktop » PCLinuxOS

I'm right with you Ray.

If you don't mind me posting this, Ray, I downloaded at ubuntu.com/download.