Objective.

This guide explains how to connect to a networked Apple LaserWriter printer using one of the following operating systems:

Windows 2000
Windows XP
SuSE 10.1 with KDE 3.5.1 desktop environment
Ubuntu 6.0.6 (Dapper Drake) with Gnome 2.14 desktop environment

Tasks.
Install any necessary software.
Configure operating system to connect to a networked Apple Laserwriter using LPR and IP.

Recommendations.
Review all instructions on this page before you begin.

Page dependencies (ensure you have access to everything you need before you begin).
Laserwriter should be connected to same LAN, on same subnet and it's IP address must be known.
Windows users may be asked for their installation path/CD.

Conditions.
This page was written for the operating systems and desktop environments mentioned above and may contain content or instructions that are not relevant to other distributions.
This information is provided for guidance only. Use of these instructions is deemed to be at your own risk.
R3UK Limited welcomes comment on this information but cannot guarantee a reply and provides no technical support. Please use one of the many dedicated Linux/Windows forums or IRC channels if you require assistance.
GUI instructions were written for the specified desktop environments and may differ for other desktop environments.

Procedure.
Certain LaserWriter printers can be put onto an Ethernet network. Obviously AppleTalk enabled machines can send print jobs to these printers without too much fuss, but these things don't seem to like direct IP printing. Fortunately, the answer to network printing lies in LPR/LPD.

Windows 2000/XP:
By default, LPR printing is not installed in Windows but it can be added. Windows 2000 users can do it via the Add/Remove Programs control panel. Click on Add/Remove Windows Components and select Other Network File & Print Services. You will be asked for an installation path/CD.

Windows XP users can go to the Network Connections control panel and click Advanced on the menubar. Select Optional Networking Components and select Other Network File & Print Services. Again, you will need your installation directory/CD.

Now you can add the printer with the Add Printer Wizard. Select Local Printer (even though it's on the network), and select port type as LPR Port. Enter the IP address of the printer and select the appropriate model from the driver list.

Follow the defaults to exit the Add Printer wizard and the printer should now be available.


SuSE 10.1 / KDE 3.5.1:
Open Utilities / Printing / Printing Manager in KDE.
Enter Administrator mode
Ensure 'Print system currently used' is set to CUPS
Select Add Printer/Class
Click Next
Select Remote LPD queue as the backend and click Next
Type the printer IP address into the Host field (for example 192.168.0.10)
Type the printer IP address preceded by IP_ into the queue field (i.e. IP_192.168.0.10) and click Next
Select the correct Apple driver for your LaserWriter and click Next
You may select to print a test page at this point if you wish, then click Next
Follow the defaults or set your preferences for the next few dialogue boxes and finally name the printer.
From the KDE print manager you can right-click the printer to set it as user-default.


Ubuntu 6.06 (Dapper Drake) / Gnome 2.14:
Open System / Administration / Printing
Open Add Printer
Select Network Printer
Set to Unix Printer (LPD)
Type the printer IP address into the Host field (for example 192.168.0.10)
Type the printer IP address preceded by IP_ into the queue field (i.e. IP_192.168.0.10) and click Forward
Select the correct Apple driver for your LaserWriter and click Forward
Name the printer according to your preferences or accept the default name and click Apply
Right-click the printer and set it as default if required.


By the way, Apple have a handy (but aged) program called LaserWriter Utility. It works on 68k or PPC Macs on OS9 or lower (or, I assume, under Classic on OSX). This program will interrogate a networked LaserWriter allowing you to see its settings or make changes to them. Download it at www.versiontracker.com


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