My printer or scanner does not work - TUXEDO Computers

Our support guidelines exclude peripheral hardware not purchased at TUXEDO Computers from support by our support team. This includes, among others, printers, scanners and corresponding combo devices. However, you are welcome to post any issues, that you have with setting up these devices on our social media channels and receive non-binding support from TUXEDO and the community.  

How do I set up a new printer?

Most printers, scanners and multifunction devices can be used under Linux without a problem these days. Several manufacturers also offer their own Linux software drivers for optimal use of all functions. The standard functions are often already activated during the installation of the operating system when the device is connected so that the printer is immediately ready for use afterwards.

With TUXEDO OS and current Ubuntu, the basic requirements for printing and scanning are given because the user is already in the lpadmin and saned groups. With older editions or other operating systems, this is not always the case. You check this by entering

id USERNAME

into your terminal. All group memberships for that user are listed there. If the user is not in these groups, use the following command(s):

sudo adduser lpadmin USERNAME

or

sudo adduser saned USERNAME

If a printer is to be integrated later, most distributions and desktop environments provide software for this purpose. In TUXEDO OS, the respective app can be found in the system settings under the heading Printers. There, you select the manufacturer and model via Add printer and enter the desired connection.

In the next screen, select the driver for your device and then optionally enter the name, description, and location of the device. After clicking Finish, your new printer should work.

You can also run the same routine from a browser by entering http://localhost:631 as the URL and following the instructions.

This setup using the CUPS drivers does not always give you access to all the features of your printer. Often, only a Linux driver from the manufacturer delivers the full functionality. Before searching for a driver on the manufacturer’s site, a visit to the Open Printing website provided by the Linux Foundation can be beneficial.

Here you can search for your printer from a list and get tips on recommended drivers as well as further information about the device. But also a search on the web, specifying the distribution and the printer model, typically brings helpful information to light. However, you should check the date to make sure that the articles are up-to-date. The procedures described here also generally apply to combination devices that house a printer and a scanner.

How do I set up a new scanner?

Scanners are commonly detected automatically under Linux. The software SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy) is responsible for this. The Sane frontend Skanlite is preinstalled in TUXEDO OS. Under Ubuntu, Simple Scan takes care of the detection.

Many manufacturers offer support on their websites in the form of drivers and documentation.

• Brother
• HP / Hewlett Packard
• Canon
• Epson
• Samsung
• Lexmark

In the Arch-Wiki wiki you will also find extremely helpful, further information regarding printing & scanning under Linux:

• Printers
• Scanner