This document describes how to use the line printer spooling system provided with the Linux operating system. If you are looking for a guide to setting up your print environment, please see the Linux Printing Setup HOWTO.
This version of the Linux Printing HOWTO is a complete rewrite of the one originally written by Grant Taylor <grant@god.tufts.edu> and Brian McCauley <B.A.McCauley@bham.ac.uk>. I have tried to keep with the coverage of material presented by Grant and Brian's HOWTO, but I have drastically modified the style of presentation and the depth of material covered. I feel that this makes the HOWTO more complete and easier to read. I can only hope that you agree.
Some names mentioned in this HOWTO are claimed as copyrights and/or trademarks of certain persons and/or companies. These names appear in full or initial caps in this HOWTO.
The Linux Printing Usage HOWTO v1.0 (c) 1995 Matt Foster.
Unless otherwise stated, Linux HOWTO documents are copyrighted by their respective authors. Linux HOWTO documents may be reproduced and distributed in whole or in part, in any medium physical or electronic, as long as this copyright notice is retained on all copies. Commercial redistribution is allowed and encouraged; however, the author would like to be notified of any such distributions.
All translations, derivative works, or aggregate works incorporating any Linux HOWTO documents must be covered under this copyright notice. That is, you may not produce a derivative work from a HOWTO and impose additional restrictions on its distribution. Exceptions to these rules may be granted under certain conditions; please contact the Linux HOWTO coordinator at the address given below.
In short, we wish to promote dissemination of this information through as many channels as possible. However, we do wish to retain copyright on the HOWTO documents, and would like to be notified of any plans to redistribute the HOWTOs.
If you have questions, please contact Greg Hankins, the Linux HOWTO coordinator, at <gregh@sunsite.unc.edu>. You may finger this address for phone number and additional contact information.
I recommend that if you want to print a copy of this HOWTO that you download the PostScript version. It is formatted in a fashion that is aesthetically appealing and easier to read. You can get the PostScript version from one of the many Linux distribution sites (such as SunSITE ftp://sunsite.unc.edu/Linux/docs/HOWTO/), or directly from my World Wide Web page at http://www.engr.uark.edu/~mwf/pht/.
Questions, comments, or corrections for this HOWTO may be directed to <mwf@engr.uark.edu>.
Thanks go out to all of the people who took the time to read the alpha version of this HOWTO and respond with many helpful comments and suggestions--some of you may see your comments reflected in the version.
I would also like to thank Grant and Brian for the loads of information that they have given me during the transition of authorship.