Let’s set up an old Okidata Microline ML-182 dot matrix printer as a log printer on the parallel port.
If you’re using GNOME, you can use the GNOME printer configuration utility (KDE has a similar utility). Under Red Hat 7.3, it’s located under GNOME Start, Programs, System, Printer Configuration. If you’re (wisely) not logged in as root, the utility will ask for your root password. Then, using the new printer wizard:
Click on New and Next.
Choose a local printer (LOCAL) and give it a name, for example, lp. Click on Next.
Enter the name of the device that the printer is attached to. For this example, assume the device is /dev/lp0. Click on Custom Device, enter /dev/lp0, and click OK. Click on Next.
Select the printer driver. Here, choose Okidata, Microline 182, and Oki182. Click on Next, review the settings, and click Finish.
To test the printer type date | lpr -Plp at a shell prompt. If the date comes out on the printer, you’re ready to use the printer from the local machine.
If you’re connected to the Internet or have several machines on your network, you should configure access to your printer using /etc/lpd.perms. Securing your printer is as important as securing any other network service: if you do not have a firewall and you do not restrict access to your printer, your system can accept print jobs from any other machine…
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