Mac mini m1 New user problems

[ade555]

Hi Everyone

I have decided to move to mac os from windows due to downsizing, wasn't easy decision and wanted to try mac os for a while now, my knowledge is very limited and got lot of learning to do.

So have few question:

1. Printer problem - I have older but still fully working Samsung ML-2165w which works fine connected to windows PC/2 android phones and 1 iphone but can't get it to work with this mac, when I go add printer in printer and scanners I can add IP address and choose Protocol, I did try AirPrint and IPP, both will show the printer is at idle but when you try to print from pages just won't print, in screenshots below you can see under "kind" is able to even get the printer info I'm also able to enter samsung syncthru web service via options and supplies.

I also try wifi direct and mac can see the printer but then is asking for drivers and samsung is not providing up to date driver.

Anyone could possibly advise?

2. I'm looking for screen recommendation that would solve my problem with poor fonts, I have already run the know command in terminal, somewhat better but still not great, things I don't like is everything looks like is not very clear.

I'm sure in future will have tons of question but for now I need to get this solved first.

many Thanks

 

[chscag]

Without a driver for your printer you're not going to be able to do much, if anything.

You can try the open source "Gutenprint" drivers which may work. They don't specifically list your printer but other Samsung printers from that series are listed. You have nothing to lose by trying:

Gutenprint Supported Printers

 

[ade555]

Without a driver for your printer you're not going to be able to do much, if anything.

You can try the open source "Gutenprint" drivers which may work. They don't specifically list your printer but other Samsung printers from that series are listed. You have nothing to lose by trying:

Gutenprint Supported Printers

I have managed to find a driver now and is finally working after 3h of trying from here

Сайт тимчасово недоступний

driverfresh.com

 

[iPhil]

Tick off the network share and then do manual search for the closest printer drivers. Yes on the share this printer on the network.

Here's the Samsung driver/software site for the printer: http://www.samsungdrivers.net/samsung-ml-2160-driver/

 

[velocityg4]

Unfortunately Samsung doesn’t use PCL or PS. As far as I can tell they use SPL for their printer language. The splix/CUPS port for macOS I found is very dated and unlikely to work. Unless one of the Gutenprint drivers for another Samsung printer works. I think it’ll be time for a new printer.

 

[ade555]

I managed to find working driver, I posted reply early on but post needs to be reviewed by moderator due to link.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP wrote (about blurry fonts):
"I have already run the know command in terminal, somewhat better but still not great, things I don't like is everything looks like is not very clear."

Have you tried EVERY setting as described in this document?

How to Fix Blurry Fonts on macOS Mojave (With Subpixel Antialiasing)

Apple's macOS Mojave disables subpixel antialiasing, also known as font smoothing, by default.

www.howtogeek.com

I believe there are a total of 4 possible settings. You just have to "work your way through them", one-at-a-time...

 

[ade555]

OP wrote (about blurry fonts):
"I have already run the know command in terminal, somewhat better but still not great, things I don't like is everything looks like is not very clear."

Have you tried EVERY setting as described in this document?

How to Fix Blurry Fonts on macOS Mojave (With Subpixel Antialiasing)

Apple's macOS Mojave disables subpixel antialiasing, also known as font smoothing, by default.

www.howtogeek.com

I believe there are a total of 4 possible settings. You just have to "work your way through them", one-at-a-time...

ok I'm getting bit confused, the option I have tried was -int1 and -int0, but do I have to to run this is well

defaults write -g CGFontRenderingFontSmoothingDisabled -bool NO ?

 

[Fishrrman]

It seems to me you have to run the command you posted above in #8 first.

Then, you run each of the 4 settings, and carefully examine each to see which one pleases you the most.

But I believe a "log out" and "log in" is required in order to make the subsequent settings active.

So, it requires a little time and a little work to see them all.

 

[ignatius345]

I'm looking for screen recommendation that would solve my problem with poor fonts, I have already run the know command in terminal, somewhat better but still not great, things I don't like is everything looks like is not very clear.

Out of curiosity, are you running your display in "native" resolution or something scaled? I ask because I haven't had to monkey around with font rendering settings in the Terminal on any of my Macs in quite a few years now, and things are crisp and clear on screen.

(If you want to get quickly to Display preferences, hit [option] + either of the brightness keys on F1 and F2.)

 

[ade555]

@Fishrrman fonts looks lot better now, also notice fonts in safari looks better then if you using google chrome for example, for some reason some websites when you read sort of shows up in Bold writing, maybe I'm just use to slightly different look.

@ignatius345 yes is native resolution 1920*1080, also hooked up to 4k tv and had to run scaled but looked lot sharper, for now is something I can get use to it, until maybe monitor upgrade or even purchase of iMac.


So far happy with purchase.

 

[macmariman]

I have managed to find a driver now and is finally working after 3h of trying from here

Сайт тимчасово недоступний

driverfresh.com

View attachment 1757832

I have the same printer but I get "filter" error when I try to print.
Maybe Big Sur 11.4 broke it?

 

[0906742]

but do I have to to run this is well

defaults write -g CGFontRenderingFontSmoothingDisabled -bool NO ?

I'm also wondering if this command is working in Big Sur (and what is default value if you want to go back to default)?