[kde-linux] Switching to KDE-4.2: Problem #1: I can't print to my printer

[James Richard Tyrer]

Anne Wilson wrote:
> On Sunday 08 February 2009 04:38:24 James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>> James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>>> James Richard Tyrer wrote:
>>>> I am currently testing 4.2 with the intention to switch to it as soon as
>>>> all functions work.
>>>>
>>>> So, I opened KWrite, typed tqbf and tried to print it.
>>>>
>>>> 	File -> Print
>>>>
>>>> selected "lp" and clicked print.  Absolutely nothing happed.
>>>>
>>>> I suspect that I need to set the print command somewhere, but I can't
>>>> find any place to do this.
>>> So, I made a PDF and opened it in Okular.  This prints correctly from
>>> Okular, so this must be a bug.
>> So, I submitted a bug report:
>>
>> http://bugs.kde.org/show_bug.cgi?id=183632
>>
>> It appears to me that we still need a KPrint class as a wrapper for
>> QPrint.  Don't know if it is possible to associate it with the "Print"
>> standard action, but at least some of the duplicated code could be moved
>> to the class.  Otherwise, this fix needs to be used everywhere that
>> something is printed.
> 
> James, the fact that you seem to be the only person struggling with this makes 
> me wonder whether the real problem is that you are using a method that you 
> have used for years, that is not necessarily the best method now.  I don't 
> know much about the technicality of printing, so my observations are more 
> about the practicality of printing.
> 
Not using anything unusual.  I use LPR and GhostSctipt.  Although 
KDE-3stopped supporting lpq, the printing still worked.  And it still 
works perfectly in OO.o.  The only setup for OO.o was to provide a real 
PPD file (not a CUPS or FooMatic one).

> The method I use is -
> 
> Set up printing in CUPS and print a test page fromm CUPS.  If the printer is 
> not present on the list offered (and it often isn't) then check with 
> http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/Database/DatabaseIntro, find the 
> recommended .ppd, search and download if necessary.  Some manufacturers like 
> HP and Brother have the .ppd file on their web pages.
> 
But doesn't CUPS require a modified PPD file?

> If your printer manufacturer offers additional features you may need to install 
> their own drivers for them - I'm thinking particularly of all-in-one printers, 
> for instance.
> 
> Tell us the model of your printer - there's a fair chance that someone already 
> has one working.
> 
The driver issue is with my old line printer which is an Epson LQ1000.

As I said previously, I want to use the GhostScript RIP device 
(commonly, and incorrectly, called a driver).

However, the big problem is that I was not able to print from KWrite 
without hacking the code, and I don't think that that is dependent on 
the printer which I was trying to use.

-- 
JRT