HOWTO_Cups_Win_No_Samba

Have been looking for this solution for a LONG time because I don't want to use Samba. Just want Windows to be a pure cups client.

Server setup

Installing CUPS

emerge it

# USE='-samba' emerge cups -av

make it start at boot and run it now

# rc-update add cupsd default
# /etc/init.d/cupsd start

Installing your printer on the linux server

This depends on your specific printer model, but mostly consists from visiting http://localhost:631 using your web browser and setting it up using the add printer wizard. Read your printer's documentation for more information. LinuxPrinting.org could also be useful.

CUPS server setup for network use

If your clients have IP's in the 192.168.1.0-255 range, modify /etc/cups/cupsd.conf and add "Allow 192.168.1.*" in the <Location /> section. Adapt this line for your IP addresses, or add more lines like this if necessary.

application/octet-stream       application/vnd.cups-raw        0       -

Restart CUPS daemon:

# /etc/init.d/cupsd restart

Windows Client setup

• Click Start/Settings/Printers and Faxes.
• Click "Add a Printer".
• Click Next.
• Select "Add a network printer ..." and click the Next button.
• Select "Connect to a printer on the Internet..." and type in the URL for the print queue. It will look like http://server_IP:631/printers/PrinterName (the PrinterName is the same from the localhost:631 entry of your printer). Then click the Next button.
• In the next windows select your printer model. if that doesn't seem to work select a postscript driver. Any PostScript driver should work, for example 'Apple Color LW 12/660' or the Generic Postfix/MS Publisher Imagesetter should be fine.
• Click Finish.

Enjoy your printer!

Credits