Function

The first step is to send the print job. One method to do this is from an Athena computer. Most printers have a desktop right next to them or in the same room from which users can send jobs. From these connected computers, printing to Pharos is simple, because users have already logged into their Athena account on the computer. All they have to do is send the job to "mit-print" from the normal printing screen.

The second printing method is from a personal computer or laptop. Since the user isn't logged into Athena, they must first download the mit-print driver. Once they have the printer linked, they can choose it from their list of printers. After sending the file, a screen pops up asking the student for their kerberos username and the filename. This ensures that it is sent to their account, and that they can recognize the file in their print queue.

Once the print file has been sent, the user finds a printer, and swipes their Student ID in the card reader. This function allows users to access their own personal print queue, and is the crucial characteristic that makes Pharos Printing work. Through the Pharos system, users can send a file, not knowing yet where or when they'll print it. They can then do so at their own convenience.

After swiping their ID card, the user sees this touchscreen interface. The majority of the screen is taken up by a list of all of their print jobs, and when each job was sent. When a job is selected, its number of pages is displayed. From here, the user can print a single job, print all, or exit to the home screen.

Printing begins once a job is chosen on the touchscreen. Every Pharos printer can print single- or double-sided, and on various paper sizes. Extra paper is supplied near every printer. In addition to the Pharos printers on campus, there are printers connected to the Pharos system in every residence hall, and some residence halls have independent printers.

While the vast majority of Pharos printers are solely black and white, there are two color printers on campus. The one pictured is in the large Athena Cluster on the fifth floor of the Stratton Student Center, and the other is on the other side of campus in E62. Additionally, some departments and residence halls have their own color printers that are not part of the Pharos printing system.