How to Access a Printer Via Samba

Samba is an implementation of the Server Message Block (SMB), a networking protocol that Microsoft Windows uses to share files and printers across a workgroup. Normally, Ubuntu and Windows cannot communicate with one another over a network, but Samba enables Ubuntu to recognize Windows files and printers, and makes Ubuntu network shares visible to Windows. To access a Windows printer via Samba, install the network printer to Ubuntu via the "New Printer" wizard.

Instructions

1. Click "System." Point to "Administration." Click "Printing." Select "Server" from the main menu.

2. Click "Settings." Check "Show Printers Shared By Other Systems." Click "OK."

3. Click "Add." Select "Network Printer" from the list. Click "Windows Printer via SAMBA." Input the printer location into the blank field. Click "Browse," then find the proper server share in the list, if you don't know the printer's location.

4. Select "Set Authentication Details Now," then input your login credentials, or select "Prompt User if Authentication Is Required." Click "Forward."

5. Click "Verify," then click "OK." Click "Forward." Select the printer manufacturer from the "Makes" list, then click "Forward."

6. Choose the printer model from the right pane, then select the printer software driver from the left pane. Click "Forward."

7. Enter the printer's name, description and location (the latter two are optional). Click "Apply" to install the printer via Samba.

8. Click "Refresh" to view and access the network printer in Ubuntu.

References

• Community Ubuntu Documentation: Network Printing with Ubuntu
• Red Hat Documentation: Adding a Samba (SMB) Printer