How to install USB and Network Printers on Ubuntu 18.04

Introduction

Ubuntu 18.04 is a popular open-source operating system, renowned for its user-friendliness and stability. It’s well-suited for both new and experienced users, offering a variety of features for seamless computing. Among those features is the ability to connect and manage printers, whether they’re USB connected or network-based. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the detailed steps on how to install USB and network printers on Ubuntu 18.04, ensuring that you can enjoy the benefits of printing without any hassle.

Understanding Printer Types

Before diving into the installation process, it’s essential to understand the types of printers you can connect to your Ubuntu system:

USB Printers

USB printers are the most straightforward type to install. These printers connect directly to your computer via a USB cable, enabling quick and easy setup. Generally, they are plug-and-play devices, meaning that your operating system will recognize them as soon as they are connected.

Network Printers

Network printers can be accessed over a local area network (LAN), allowing multiple devices (like computers and mobile phones) to print from them. These printers can connect via Wi-Fi or Ethernet, providing greater flexibility in a home or office environment. The installation process is slightly more involved than for USB printers, requiring a few additional steps.

Installing a USB Printer on Ubuntu 18.04

Installing a USB printer involves a few simple steps. Here’s how to get started:

Step 1: Connect Your Printer

1. Physical Connection: Start by connecting your USB printer to an available USB port on your computer. Ensure that the printer is powered on.
2. Automatic Recognition: Typically, Ubuntu will automatically detect the printer upon connection. A notification may appear in the top-right corner of your screen indicating that a new printer has been found.

Step 2: Check System Settings

1. Open Settings: Click on the system menu in the top right corner and navigate to “Settings.”
2. Go to Printers: In the Settings window, find the “Devices” section and select “Printers.”
3. Verify Detection: Your USB printer should appear in the list of installed printers. If it does, select it to configure further settings if required. If it does not appear, try disconnecting and reconnecting the USB cable.

Step 3: Install Necessary Drivers

In most cases, Ubuntu will automatically install the required drivers for your printer. However, if your printer is not operational:

1. Open Terminal: You can search for “Terminal” in the application drawer or press Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Install Drivers: You can use the command:
   bash
   sudo apt-get install printer-driver-gutenprint

   This command installs a generic driver that supports a wide range of printers.

3. Restart Your System: After installation, restart your computer to ensure that changes are recognized.

Step 4: Set as Default Printer (Optional)

If you plan to use this printer frequently, you may want to set it as your default:

1. In the “Printers” settings, right-click on the printer entry.
2. Click on “Set as Default.”

Your USB printer is now successfully installed and ready for use!

Installing a Network Printer on Ubuntu 18.04

Configuring a network printer may appear more complicated, but with the following steps, you can achieve it without difficulty:

Step 1: Connect to the Network

Ensure your network printer is properly connected to your network:

• Wi-Fi Printer: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the printer to your Wi-Fi network.
• Wired Printer: Plug the printer into your router or switch using an Ethernet cable.

Step 2: Collect Necessary Information

You will need to know some important details about the printer before proceeding:

• IP Address: Obtain the printer’s IP address. This can generally be found on the printer’s display or by printing a network configuration page through the printer’s settings.
• Printer Model: Knowing the exact model can help in finding the right drivers.

Step 3: Open Settings

1. Navigate to Settings: Click on the system menu in the top right corner, and go to “Settings.”
2. Access Printers: Under the “Devices” category, click on “Printers.”

Step 4: Add Network Printer

1. Select Add Printer: In the Printers window, click on the “Add Printer” button.
2. Find Your Printer: A list of available printers will appear. If your printer is detected, select it and click “Add.”
   • If it’s not listed, click the “Network Printer” option and then “Find Network Printer” to search for it using its IP address.
3. Enter Printer Details: You may need to provide additional information, including the printer’s model and possibly install drivers as prompted.

Step 5: Install Drivers (if necessary)

Much like the USB installation process, Ubuntu may automatically discover and install the right drivers. If issues persist:

1. Open Terminal: Again, access your Terminal.

2. Install Drivers: You might need to install specific drivers for your printer model. Use:
   bash
   sudo apt-get install printer-driver-

   Replace <driver-name> with the appropriate driver for your printer.

Step 6: Confirm Installation

Once the printer is successfully added, you can print a test page:

1. Select your new network printer from the printer list.
2. Click on “Print Test Page” to verify that everything is configured correctly.

Conclusion

Successfully installing USB and network printers on Ubuntu 18.04 is a straightforward process that can enhance your productivity. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that both physical connections and network configurations are adequately managed. Whether working from home or in an office, reliable access to printing resources is crucial for productivity.

With Ubuntu’s supportive community and a range of drivers available, you are well on your way to enjoying efficient printing capabilities. Should you encounter any issues, remember that community forums and support pages are available to assist you in troubleshooting.

FAQ

1. What should I do if my printer is not detected?

If your printer isn’t detected, try the following steps:

• Ensure the printer is turned on and properly connected to your computer or network.
• Restart your printer and computer.
• Reconnect the USB cable or check your network settings if it is a network printer.

2. How can I find the IP address of my network printer?

Most printers have a built-in menu that allows you to view network information. You can usually print a configuration page from the printer’s setup menu, which will display the IP address.

3. Are there specific drivers required for each printer model?

While many printers work with generic drivers included in Ubuntu, some manufacturers provide specific drivers for their models. Always check the manufacturer’s website for the most accurate driver available.

4. Can I print from mobile devices connected to the same network?

Yes, if your network printer supports mobile printing protocols (like Google Cloud Print or Apple AirPrint), you should be able to print directly from a mobile device connected to the same network.

5. What if I encounter printing errors after installation?

Common printing errors may include misconfiguration, low ink, or paper jams. Check the printer status for any error messages, and consult the printer’s manual or support webpage for troubleshooting steps.