IPP Mail Archive: Re: IPP> ANNOUNCEMENT: Common UNIX Printing System 1.0.1

Re: IPP> ANNOUNCEMENT: Common UNIX Printing System 1.0.1

Jay Martin (jkm@underscore.com)
Tue, 26 Oct 1999 20:45:14 -0400

How much of an open architecture does CUPS have with regard
to printer driver/interfaces? I understand the "stock" (freebie)
system comes with only a couple of drivers; all the others are
available for a fee (and that's ok).

Can a developer easily add a new printer driver? Is there
sufficient documentation to allow this?

I would have normally responded directly to the CUPS developers,
but since these "announcement" messages are continually posted
to the PWG list, I thought others in the PWG would like to see
the question/answer thread.

...jay

Michael Sweet wrote:
>=20
> The 1.0.1 release of the Common UNIX Printing System
> ("CUPS") is now available for download from the CUPS web site
> at:
>=20
> http://www.cups.org
>=20
> This release fixes some possible security vulnerabilities,
> updates the Italian message file, and fixes a number of minor
> bugs. It also adds support for authentication using PAM.
>=20
> Binaries for several platforms are also available!
>=20
> The Common UNIX Printing System provides a portable printing
> layer for UNIX=AE operating systems. It has been developed by Easy
> Software Products to promote a standard printing solution for
> all UNIX vendors and users. CUPS provides the System V and
> Berkeley command-line interfaces.
>=20
> CUPS uses the Internet Printing Protocol (IETF-IPP) as the basis
> for managing print jobs and queues. The Line Printer Daemon
> (LPD, RFC1179), Server Message Block (SMB), and AppSocket
> protocols are also supported with reduced functionality.
>=20
> CUPS adds network printer browsing and PostScript Printer
> Description ("PPD")-based printing options to support real world
> applications under UNIX.
>=20
> CUPS also includes a customized version of GNU GhostScript
> (currently based off GNU GhostScript 4.03) and an image file RIP
> that can be used to support non-PostScript printers.
>=20
> Sample drivers are provided for HP DeskJet and LaserJet
> printers. Drivers for over 1600 printers are available in our
> ESP Print Pro software.
>=20
> CUPS is licensed under the GNU General Public License. Please
> contact Easy Software Products for commercial support and
> "binary distribution" rights.
>=20
> --
> ______________________________________________________________________
> Michael Sweet, Easy Software Products mike@easysw.com
> Printing Software for UNIX http://www.easysw.com