One positive thing to note in the Linux community is that support for proprietary printers is on the rise. In the past installing drivers for printers was almost impossible. Most Linux users were restricted to network attached printers only without support for many local desktop printers. One simple reason for that is many manufacturers didn’t think Linux was a commercially viable option so they put all their resources into Windows and Mac printer drivers
Today, it’s a different story. HP for one has created dedicated drivers suite for most of its printers on the market today. Called HP Linux Imaging and Printing (HPLIP) helps you install drivers for popular printers on the market today and support for more printers are actively being added. Finding drivers for common HP desktop printers is almost as easy as finding one for Windows or Mac. This brief tutorial is going to show you how to install HP printer drivers suite in Ubuntu 12.10 if you need to.
This suite comes pre-installed in Ubuntu but most of the time doesn’t include support for newer printers. Manually updating it to support newer printers is one way to go.
To get started, go and download the latest version of HPLIP from here. Or use the commands below. The commands below download version 3.12.11. It may not be the same the next time you run this command below. So please verify the version and make the necessary changes below before running.
wget http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/hplip/hplip-3.12.11.run
Next, run the commands below to begin the installation.
sh hplip-3.12.11.run
When prompted with the screen below, choose a for automatic installation.
Next, verify your version of Ubuntu and type y for yes to continue.
When prompted with the screen below, choose I to remove and re-install HPLIP with the new version.
After the installation, you may have to restart or begin installing your printers. To install HP printers that are supported, go to Dash and search for HP Device Manager
When it opens, click ‘Add’ to add a new HP Printer.
Next, select USB, Network or Wireless printer option and continue
Then choose the printer from the list you wish to install and click ‘Next’
Finally, click ‘Add Printer’ to finish the wizard
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I install HP printer drivers in Ubuntu 12.10 using HPLIP?
To install HP printer drivers in Ubuntu 12.10, you can use the HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) tool. Download the latest version of HPLIP from the official website or through terminal commands, then run the installation script to set up the drivers.
Can I manually update HPLIP to support newer printers in Ubuntu 12.10?
Yes, you can manually update HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10 to add support for newer HP printers. By downloading the latest version of HPLIP and running the installation commands, you can ensure compatibility with the most recent printer models.
What is the importance of HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10 for HP printer users?
HPLIP (HP Linux Imaging and Printing) is crucial for HP printer users in Ubuntu 12.10 as it provides dedicated drivers for a wide range of HP printers. It simplifies the installation process and ensures seamless functionality with Ubuntu.
Where can I find the download link for HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10?
You can find the download link for HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10 on the official HP Linux Imaging and Printing website. Alternatively, you can use terminal commands to download the latest version directly.
How do I verify my Ubuntu version before installing HP printer drivers?
To verify your Ubuntu version before installing HP printer drivers, you can check the system information using terminal commands. Ensure that the version matches the requirements for the HPLIP installation.
Is it possible to remove and re-install HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10?
Yes, you can remove and re-install HPLIP in Ubuntu 12.10 if needed. By following the prompts during the installation process, you can choose to re-install HPLIP to troubleshoot any issues or update to a newer version.
What are the benefits of using HPLIP for HP printer installation in Ubuntu 12.10?
Using HPLIP for HP printer installation in Ubuntu 12.10 offers benefits such as easy setup, comprehensive driver support, and ongoing updates for compatibility with newer HP printer models. It streamlines the printing experience for Ubuntu users.
How does HPLIP make installing HP printer drivers easier in Ubuntu 12.10?
HPLIP simplifies the process of installing HP printer drivers in Ubuntu 12.10 by providing a user-friendly interface and automated installation options. It eliminates the complexities often associated with driver installation on Linux systems.
