A Guide To Linux Printing Introduction Steve Singer
Monday, May 31, 1999 07:39:10 PM
Introduction.
Are you wondering how the Linux printing system works? Or maybe you just think of the process as magic. The software that handles printing under Linux is extremely flexible and this article explains how it works.
Overview
A file printed in Linux will pass through several programs. The printing request will typically originate from an application that will invoke the printing client software. The file will pass from the printing client, to the printing spooler and then through a series of filters and being finally sent to your printer. Linux's printing system was designed to make it easy to add support for network printers and a variety of formatting options. Normally all of the steps are transparent to the end user. However, a good understanding of the process helps when debugging printing problems.
