Classes Help

[Daniel Westwater]

^^^ BUMP! ^^^

> > 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