How to Install a Network Printer on Ubuntu

Computer Printer

The process of installing a network printer on Ubuntu is simple. It takes less than two minutes with the Ubuntu GUI to install the printer. All that's needed to install a network printer is a working network printer. Although some tasks are much more complicated in Ubuntu than Windows, installing a network printer is not one of them. Even if the network printer is a Windows printer, Ubuntu can install it easily by utilizing its Samba driver, which allows Ubuntu to utilize Windows based resources.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Log into the Ubuntu system via the GUI.

2. Click "Start," Administration," then "Printing." When the Printer Configuration window shows up, click the button labeled "New Printer."

3. A box will come up asking for the type of connection. If the printer is attached to a Windows computer or in a Windows workgroup or domain, select "Windows Printer via SAMBA." If it is not a Windows printer, select the appropriate option.

4. If it is a Windows Printer, click the "Browse" button and locate the printer from the SMB Browser. Then click the "Forward" button.

5. The computer will ask what type of printer it is. Select the printer's brand and model from the choices available.

6. Another window will come up asking for the name of the printer. Put in a name for the printer. All of the other options are optional. Click "Apply." The printer is now installed on Ubuntu.

7. To verify that the printer is working properly, click the "Print Test Page" button.

Tips & Warnings

• If the network printer is a Windows printer, make sure it is shared. Otherwise, the printer cannot be added.

Resources

• Ubuntu Home Page