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24.3 Installing the Software
PPD (PostScript printer description) is the computer language that describes the prop-
erties, like resolution, and options, such as the availability of a duplex unit. These de-
scriptions are required for using various printer options in CUPS. Without a PPD file,
the print data would be forwarded to the printer in a "raw" state, which is usually not
desired. During the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise, many PPD files are prein-
stalled to enable even printers without PostScript support to be used.
To configure a PostScript printer, the best approach is to get a suitable PPD file. Many
PPD files are available in the package manufacturer-PPDs, which is automatically
installed within the scope of the standard installation. See
Section 24.6.3, "PPD Files
in Various Packages"
(page 464) and
Section 24.7.2, "No Suitable PPD File Available
for a PostScript Printer"
(page 467).
New PPD files can be stored in the directory /usr/share/cups/model/ or added
to the print system with YaST (see
Section "Manual Configuration"
(page 455)). Subse-
quently, the PPD file can be selected during the installation.
Be careful if a printer manufacturer wants you to install entire software packages in
addition to modifying configuration files. First, this kind of installation would result in
the loss of the support provided by SUSE Linux Enterprise and, second, print commands
may work differently and the system may no longer be able to address devices of other
manufacturers. For this reason, the installation of manufacturer software is not recom-
mended.
24.4 Configuring the Printer
After connecting the printer to the computer and installing the software, install the
printer in the system. This should be done with the tools delivered with SUSE Linux
Enterprise. Because SUSE Linux Enterprise puts great emphasis on security, third-
party tools often have difficulties with the security restrictions and cause more compli-
cations than benefits. See
Section 24.6.1, "CUPS Server and Firewall"
(page 461) and
Section 24.6.2, "Changes in the CUPS Print Service"
(page 462) for more information
about troubleshooting.
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Installation and Administration
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Table of Contents
Troubleshooting
