[TexasRepublic]

I have a question for the Linux experts out there. Microsoft’s arrogance and crappy software is driving me to find another OS. Before going with Apple, I have been trying several different Linux flavors such as Knoppix, Mepis and now Ubuntu. The main problem I have with all of them is the inability to print. I have tried several low-end HP USB Laserjet models without success. For example, Ubuntu immediately recognized the model and installed the driver, but when I tried to print a test page from setup, it went through the motions of printing, but nothing came out. I am completely stymied. I researched a website that lists compatible/incompatible linux printers at http://openprinting.org/printer_list.cgi and discovered there are quite a few printers that are not fully Linux compatible, to varying degrees. Some of the discontinued and/or expensive laser printers might work, but I have none of those to try. I’ve never seen a printer that wouldn’t print in Windows. I hope Apple is easier to configure than this! Any suggestions how to make Linux print?

[brownsfan]

I’m not much help. I have an HP ink jet, 7150. When I turned it on, it installed the drivers and printed immediately.

[shorty_harris]

If you're desperate, try Turboprint. I've used it, and it works. They have lots of drivers, and have an easy to use installation interface. The bad...it costs $40.

[HAL9000]

That’s one of the problems with Desktop Linux: When something goes wrong, sometimes it requires an expert to figure it out.

I found a document from a couple of years ago about how to fix the CUPS configuration in Ubuntu. Maybe they’ve already fixed it by now.

Fixing CUPS on Ubuntu Linux -

http://varspool.blogspot.com/2006/07/fixing-cups-on-ubuntu-linux.html

The main page for the CUPS printing system project is -

http://www.cups.org/

As a side note, CUPS is also used as the printing system in Mac OS X.

[TXnMA]

You don't "configure" an Apple. I just pulled a new Macbook Pro out of the box, turned it on, and it automatically recognized my wireless network -- and the HP printer attached to it. It then asked if I wanted to join that network and use that printer and, voila! I was online wirelessly -- and when I told it to print something -- it printed.

Mac users read stories like yours and simply can't believe that folks put up with such hassles...