no printing drivers

[Hmse]

I'm trying to get my networked hp laserjet configured again since I just recently reinstalled. Well I'm using the gnome printing tools, and after I select my connection type and enter the address, it then gets to the screen where I would normally select my printer model, etc, but whats weird is that there are no models or drivers available. I'm pretty sure that whats going on is that I just don't have any drivers installed, but the odd thing is, on my old setup which was almost identical, except for the kernel (now 2.6.7 instead of 2.6.8).
Now I'm not sure, but are the printing drivers in the kernel its self? And are just not included in the 2.6.7 kernel?

[gehidore]

linuxprinting (http://www.linuxprinting.org)

[Hmse]

Ok, now I don't know if the foomatic drivers are what I need. I don't know a whole lot about printing drivers and such. Since I am using CUPS are there some other printing drivers I need? Or are they included in the 2.6.8 and above kernels?

[Hayl]

printer drivers are not in the kernel.

the kernel has two options for non-usb printers:

- parport support
- parport printer support

you need both of those if you have a parallel port printer.

there are similar options in the usb section of the kernel for usb printers.

^^ the above only allow the linux kernel to talk to your printer & make the device for it in /dev

the "drivers" are actually scripts that work with cups or lpd to convert the postscript that is generateed when you print docs into a language your printer understands.

what is the brand/model number of your printer?

<edit>oh HP LJ - i see now, just the model number will do then</edit>

[Hmse]

It's an HP LaserJet 4100 series

[Hayl]

use the hpijs ppd ("driver" files) - they are made by Hewlett Packard and work with that printer.

http://hpinkjet.sourceforge.net/

refer to your distro's docs or the docs that come with the ppd files on how to get them to work.

(if you have Gentoo you can just emerge hpijs, then set cups to use it)

PS: yes i know it sounds like it is an inkjet thing but it does work with laserjets as well.

[Hmse]

Ok, I've emerged it, but, as I've never really used cups, only programs that tap into cups, I don't have a clue how to set cups to use hpijs.

[gehidore]

check out localhost:631 after you start the cupsd service

[Hmse]

Okay I got it. I think it might have only been because I didn't have cups started. Which I totally thought I did. BUt all is good now so, thanks guys:)