PaperCut Print: Printing from a Linux Computer

Summary

USNH employees can print from a Linux computer to PaperCut Employee print queues (both color and black/white) by configuring it to use the ipps protocol with a URL of the form: ipps://[PaperCut Server]:9164/printers/[Queue Name

The default PostScript print driver can handle double-sided or single-sided printing. However, if you need special features like stapling, you will have to download a specific driver from the printer's manufacturer.

These instructions are for Ubuntu 22.04.4 LTS. You might need to adjust these steps, depending on which version of Linux you are using.

 

Before you begin

Campus Network Required

  • If you are on-campus, make sure you are connected to eduroam (wireless) or Ethernet (wired).
  • If you are off-campus, make sure you are connected to the VPN.

 

Choose and Install PostScript Print Driver

The Generic PostScript print driver supports duplexing (printing single or double-sided pages), but not other advanced features. If you want to use this generic driver, proceed to Add the print queues following the steps below.

If you want to use advanced features such as stapling or features specific to a particular copier model, download and extract (unarchive) a PPD (PostScript Printer Description) file from Xerox before you follow the steps below to add the printer to your Linux device.

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How-To

Task:  Add a PaperCut print queues to Your Linux Device

Instructions

Step 1 - Go to Menu | Settings

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Step 2 - In the Settings app, scroll down to "Printer" on the left and select it.

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Step 3 - Choose the "Additional Printer Settings…" button

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Step 4 - In the "Printers" window that opens, choose the "+ Add" button to open the "New Printer" dialog

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Step 5 - Under Select Device choose "Enter URI"

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Step 6 - On the right, specify the URI for the queue in the general form - ipps://[PaperCut Server]:9164/printers/[Queue Name] - and choose "Forward". Specific values for [PaperCut Server] and [Queue Name] are specified after the picture.

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  • For KSC
    • PaperCut Server: 158.65.100.191​​​​​​
    • PaperCut Queue (Mono): B&W_KSC
    • PaperCut Queue (Color): Color_KSC
    • Example: ipps://158.65.100.191:9164/printers/Color_KSC
       
  • For PSU
    • PaperCut Server: printers2.plymouth.edu
    • PaperCut Queue (Mono): PSU_BW_EMPLOYEE
    • PaperCut Queue (Color): PSU_COLOR_EMPLOYEE
    • Example: ipps://printers2.plymouth.edu/printers/ PSU_COLOR_EMPLOYEE
       
  • For UNH / USNH System Office
    • PaperCut Server: papercut.unh.edu
    • PaperCut Queue (Mono): UNH_BW_EMPLOYEE
    • PaperCut Queue (Color): UNH_COLOR_EMPLOYEE
    • Example: ipps://papercut.unh.edu:9164/printers/UNH_COLOR_EMPLOYEE

 

Step 7 - Select a print driver to use. There are two options, you may choose from the built-in OS functionality or using a downloaded PPD driver from Xerox.

Option A - Built-in OS functionality (duplex/single-sided support, but no stapling or other advanced features)

Step 7 A1  -Choose "Select printer from database", select "Generic" and choose "Forward"

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Step 7 A2  -Select "Postscript" and choose "Forward"

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Option B - Using a downloaded PPD driver from Xerox with good general printing support such as the Altalink C8155 (supports duplexing/single-sided, stapling, and many other features) or specific to the model you use most often (most feature support).

Important: Be sure you download and extract the PPD driver from Xerox before you proceed with the steps below.

Step 7 B1- Choose "Provide PPD file"

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Step 7 B2- Use the file chooser to navigate to the PPD file downloaded to your system. Then click "Open"

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Step 7 B3 - Select "Forward"

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Step 8 - Specify the printer name. The queue name is recommended. Example: UNH_BW_EMPLOYEE

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Step 9 - Optionally print a test page.

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Note: If you chose a PPD file print driver (Step 7, Option B above), device-specific settings will be available through the system print dialog at time of printing. 

If desired, you can specify default settings through the Settings > Printer > Additional Settings app.

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Step 10 - When you print to the queue, you will get a message that authentication is required.

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Step 11 - Open the print queue, click "Authenticate" in the message. Enter your USNH username (without the @usnh.edu) and password, then click the "Authenticate" button.

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Step 12 - Use one of the release methods (Web, QR Code, Tap-to-Release) to release your job at the copier. Release methods are detailed in the Knowledge Base:

 

Outcome

A printing queue has been added to your Linux device. You should be able to print to the queue and release jobs from PaperCut enabled printers on campus.

 

Further Readings

PaperCut Print: Resources  - Employee Printing

GlobalProtect VPN: General Information and Resources

https://www.support.xerox.com/ - source for Xerox PPD files with advanced feature support for various printer models

 

Need additional help?

Use the “Request Printer Help” button on the Central Printing Service page to submit a support request with as much detail as possible, or contact the Technology Help Desk team on your local campus. For password issues you must call or visit the Help Desk in person.