Yes, I know that, and for that reason I wonder why Linux does not handle printers as well as Mac OS. At least I am assuming that compatibility issues do not plague Mac OS as they do Linux. However, I did finally achieve some success -- I borrowed an old HP Laserjet 6P (parallel cable interface) and Ubuntu recognized it and printed just fine. It's a shame Linux can't handle all printers the way Windows can. Sure, I could buy an Apple, but the allure of free open source software is very strong.
What allure? The goal of seeing the US titans of the software industry replaced by free clones often coming from questionable sources from around the globe? Replace every Bill Gates with a Linus Torvalds, and every Steve Jobs with a Richard Stallman?