What is a Print Server? (and how do I make one?)

[carbonmotion]

I want to make a print server with an old Windows XP machine because the printer in my office is no longer compatible with Lion. How do I make one? Any tips?

 

[yg17]

A print server probably won't do you any good because your Mac will still need drivers to talk to the printer, and I'm guessing that's the reason why it won't work in Lion. But if you really want to do it, set it up in XP and share the printer out on the network from the printer settings.

A print server is really just a pass-through, converting it from USB that only one computer can print to, to networked, that many computers can print to. Using one doesn't change requirements for good, working drivers.

 

[carbonmotion]

A print server probably won't do you any good.

What are some driver free printing setups that are open source or free, please help!!

 

[yg17]

What are some driver free printing setups that are open source or free, please help!!

I don't think there is such a thing, all hardware needs drivers.

 

[KnightWRX]

This might help you :

http://www.kleinfelter.com/windows-printer-linux-osx

Basically, Ghostscript on Windows will convert Postscript to the printer's driver language and you will share the virtual Ghostscript device over the network for OS X clients.

 

[Peace]

Lion can use generic postscript printing without specific drivers as long as it recognizes the printer.

 

[KnightWRX]

Lion can use generic postscript printing without specific drivers as long as it recognizes the printer.

Printers that support postscript are a rare breed in the low-end segment. His printer is most probably either a PCL printer or a GDI printer.

 

[carbonmotion]

Printers that support postscript are a rare breed in the low-end segment. His printer is most probably either a PCL printer or a GDI printer.

It's a high end Okidata C5200n color laser that's plugged into the network, its just that lion won't recognize the driver. I really need it because it's the only way to give my spreadsheets and charts the joy of color.

 

[carbonmotion]

Lion can use generic postscript printing without specific drivers as long as it recognizes the printer.

it does recognize the printer on the network, but doesn't work quiet right

 

[seanf]

Have you tried the Snow Leopard Driver to see if it works?

Sean

 

[KnightWRX]

It's a high end Okidata C5200n color laser that's plugged into the network, its just that lion won't recognize the driver. I really need it because it's the only way to give my spreadsheets and charts the joy of color.

it does recognize the printer on the network, but doesn't work quiet right

Then you have no choice but to follow the guide I posted earlier and use Ghostscript on Windows to convert the print output.

That or change printers.

 

[Peace]

The Snow Leopard driver is PPC.

 

[ntrigue]

It's hard to go wrong with http://gimp-print.sourceforge.net/MacOSX.php for MAC OS driver needs.