Vector Linux CUPS and Printer Setup

[raymac46]

I don't claim to understand all the ins and outs of printer setup in CUPS but I have to say that Vector Linux gives me more problems than some of the mainstream distros. With CUPS in Vector Linux I find that if the printer in question is in the CUPS menu (eg HP Deskjet 640 or 648) then the setup is easy and the printer works.
On the other hand if I have to provide a PPD file such as for a Canon BJC-4100 or HP Deskjet 710C (which file I can download from Openprinting.org) then the printer doesn't work, even though CUPS claims it's installed and accepting jobs. Usually the parallel port is busy or there's an I/O error. The software seems to submit the job OK but the printer won't respond.
With Mandriva, Ubuntu, Fedora the Printing setup software manages to locate and configure these non-standard printers with no problem at all. It's a major annoyance for me with Vector Linux.
I'd like to get some feedback from the experts and other users. Is it just me?

[no2thesame]

I'm no expert either, I also dislike CUPS but lately have been able to get every printer working, even with CUPS!

If you are using SOHO and KDE maybe this How-To illustrates a better way of installing printers.
http://forum.vectorlinux.com/index.php?topic=1594.msg9399#msg9399

I still use the Brother but install it with CUPS on my VL 5.9 Std. However there is a problem with CUPS as I explained here:
http://forum.vectorlinux.com/index.php?topic=7009.msg47792#msg47792

I think you may have hit the same 'missing parallel-port' problem in CUPS

nightflier's parallel:/dev/lp0 address would work just as well.

Try it and see how you go.

no2

[raymac46]

Thanks. Some good hints there. I have the Canon now set up on a HP Pavilion 6630 from 2000 which I intend to give away. Since I was pressed for time I decided to go with Xubuntu 8.04 which I knew would configure the printer without problems.