Using Samba Pseudo-Printers

Roderick Smith

Wednesday, January 15th, 2003

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The Linux Samba server supports the Server Message Block (SMB) protocol (also known as the Common Internet File System, or CIFS, protocol). Microsoft Windows uses SMB natively to share files and printers. Thus, Samba is most commonly used to turn a Linux box into a file and print server for Windows clients. Indeed, Samba is so effective that Samba enables Linux to sneak into otherwise Windows-domainated shops, with management none the wiser. However, Samba can be employed as much more than a file and print server. Samba supports many configuration options and it can perform a variety of complex tasks.

One of the most powerful — and most often — overlooked Samba features is the print command parameter. With a little creativity and a supporting script or two, you can create a “utility” share that looks to the network like a printer share, but actually performs a wholly different task. For example, you can create “pseudo-printer” shares that enable Samba clients to create PDF files or burn CD-Rs. The Samba print command option is so flexible that it’s limited mainly by your imagination. One additional point deserves emphasis: you can use these techniques with clients that run any OS that supports SMB/CIFS operations, including Linux.

Let’s find out how to create pseudo-printer shares. Before reading further, you should be familiar with basic Samba configuration. If you’ve never set up a Samba server, consult the copious documentation that comes with the server, or read, “Introducing Samba,” in the…

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