One of the attractions of Linux is that it provides its users with unprecedented options for customization. This is apparent especially when one tries to set up printing. There are so many options to choose from that this can cause confusion. If one is used to Windows, one takes printing for granted. In Windows there is basically one printing system, and it works the same way, no matter what the application is.

Here I will present a simple procedure to set up printing in Amigo Linux. Two pieces of software called pdq and Ghostscript form the core of this setup. I will also describe some of my trials and errors, in the hope that it will be a simple matter for others to adapt the procedure to their own circumstances.

From my readings on printing in Linux, it seems that one can describe the process briefly as follows:

In printing, Linux shows its origin as a multi-user operating system. Several users may submit files for printing to a single printer at the same time. A spooler keeps order among these jobs for further processing. The spooler then passes a job on to a filter, which translates it roughly into a format the printer will be able to understand. The driver provides further customization for a particular printer.

We will use the following pieces of software:

Spooler:   pdq.
pdq stands for "print don't queue". It is not really a spooler, in the sense that it is meant for the situation where just one user submits a printing job to a printer at one time. This makes pdq particularly suited for an individual desktop installation.

Filter:   Ghostscript

Driver:   Included in Ghostscript, or see special instructions.

The procedure should work for most inkjet printers as well as for Postscript and HP-type LJ laser printers. It should also be applicable, perhaps with minor modifications, to any other distribution based on Slackware.

© C. Steinbrüchel (2005)