Edit: Please see these instructions for printing to the centralised SCS-Public print queue.

Unless your Linux host was “facilitized” (i.e., unless you’re still running the stock Linux install provided by the CMU help desk), you’re probably scratching your head as to how to add SCS printers to your Linux host. Here’s how. (NOTE: You should only add SCS printers if you have an SCS account!)

A list of public network printers is conveniently available here. Find the name of the public printer of your choice.

Assuming you’re using CUPS (who isn’t?), here are the configuration details:

  • Address: lpd://lpd.srv.cs.cmu.edu/PRINTER_NAME
  • Driver: Generic PostScript Printer

I normally add printers via the CUPS web interface:

  1. Navigate to http://localhost:631.
  2. Select the “Administration” tab.
  3. Click “Add Printer” under the “Printers” header.
  4. Select “LPD/LPR Host or Printer”.
  5. Paste in the address for your printer, e.g., lpd://lpd.srv.cs.cmu.edu/ghc6107bw and continue to the next page.
  6. Enter a name, description, and location of your choice, and continue.
  7. Select the make “Generic” and Model “Generic PostScript Printer”.
  8. Add the printer. You can then configure duplexing, etc., as desired.

N.B.: In my experience, you must be connected to CMU network to print to SCS printers.

Does anybody know how to automatically discover public network printers on the SCS network?

Edit: Enter your local username/password when asked to authenticate. Make sure your user is in the lpadmin group.