Printing Query

[Midrange]

Hi there I'm new with AIX, I have two query:
1. I want to configure a printer on AIX which is connected to aprint server. What configuration do i need to do and what details do i need to get from the print server that will be used for AIX configuration?

2. Is it possible to configure a printer which is locally attached to a PC? can i configure it native to AIX or i need a third party software to configure the printer?

Thanks..

 

[Alize]

1) If you print server run an "lpd" daemon (Unix, NT,...), just define a new print queue as "remote" (with smit). You need the print server address and queue name.
2) Which OS do you have on your PC?
If it's Window 9X, NTWS, 2000Pro or XP, you need a third party software for adding an lpd service to Windows.

 

[AIXSPadmin]

It has been 3 years since I have had to configure and work with printers, however, in answer to your second question, yes you can configure a printer attached to a pc. I used the hp jetdirect print server which is connected to the pc and then setup a remote print queue on you AIX server.

 

[Midrange]

Alize/AIXSPADMIN,

The printer is just connected to a Win98 and it is shared on the network but connected only on parallel poer of the PC. Can i able to configure it to the AIX without having the third party software? If not what particular software do i need to have?

tnx..

 

[AIXSPadmin]

You most likely need to have a JetDirect print server or similar device so you can setup a remote printer within AIX and still have the printer connected locally to the printer.

 

[jwtesch]

If the printer is attached to the parallel port of a Windows server, then you need a method that both AIX and windows understand. If you were on Windows 2000 or NT, you could install UNIX print utilities and enable LPD capability on the Windows server. Since it is Windows 98, your best option is to use 'Samba' on AIX. Then you will need to do a custom backend to use the tools in a special queue. In reality, this can be done, but it's not trivial, and it's unlikely you'll get all the help you need from a forum. UNIX (including AIX ) is much more appropriate for a printer server than is Windows who never follow any standards. The more practicle answer to your problem is to put the printer on the network on a network print server such as an Intel or HP JetDirect. Then you can print from all servers directly to this, or you can print through AIX. The IBM printing system company has an lpr tool that you can use to print from Windows 95/98 to any UNIX server.