Classes Help

Daniel Westwater dwestwater at michaelcookassociates.co.uk
Fri Aug 8 01:30:27 PDT 2008


> Daniel Westwater wrote:
> > Hello,
> >
> > I have just started to test CUPS and plan to implement it in our business.
> >
> > I need to setup a class for two plotters, which i have done. Now what i dont understand (and yes call me stupid, as im sure its really simple) is how you then install that on a windows client?
> >
> > I want it to share the load between the two plotters, when i try to add the class in windows it asks for a driver... but there are two printers in the class, so my question is what driver do i need to use to install it on the client?
> >
> > Or if i dont even need to do that, what do i do to get it working?
> >
> >
> > Thanks for your time
> >
> > Dan
>
> If you set up the Windows printer(s) using cupsaddsmb, AFIK you only
> are able to set up printers, not classes.
>
> I'd suggest to set up a directory containing what is usually contained
> in a printer's driver CD for installation : the needed binaries,
> DLLs, dependent files etc. and a suitable .inf file
> and use that (e.g. configured as a samba share) in place of
> a driver CD.
>
> Then you may set up printer instances with refer to a CUPS class
> but use the PPD of a member of that class. Note that in this case
> you should use a PPD for the class members that represents the
> common properties of all the class members only. Of course sou
> need to use the class name as the last component of the printer's
> path/device_uri (depending if you install it as a samba or an ipp
> printer).
>
> Helge
>
> NB: I have a Perl script that generates the needed stuff
> for CUPS printers. But there is a lot of site specific stuff
> in it (referring to the "alternate pstops filter e.g.) which
> you should comment out, and tne .inf file for Vista is not yet
> implemented (we still prefer to use XP pro).
>
> --
> Helge Blischke
> Softwareentwicklung
>
> H.Blischke at acm.org


Thanks for your reply,

Ok so... I understood, well... not much of that lol! I had already decided that i were going to setup a samba server to use for storing drivers, but im really not even sure whether you gave me an answer or not there :o, I have already installed printers on the CUPS server and installed them on the client M$ workstations (all working great) All i need now is to be able to setup a the two plotters we have in the studio (designjet 1050c plus and T1100) so they share the print load. Could someone please explain in plain english (if possible) how i could do this - or not if thats the case?

Thanks alot for your help Helge, i only wish I understood a little more about this so i could fully understand your reply. The script does sound usefull, I would be greatfull if you were willing to share? :o)

Thanks

Dan




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