Print driver for Linux

[wpshooter]

I have been trying for about the last three hours to get a printer test sheet to come out of my HP laserjet 2100 printer on a system on which I have a live CD version of Simply Mepis linux installed. This is getting pretty *#@$(L@ frustrating.

I have tried every driver listed in the printer setup for the HP2100 and NONE of them work. I have also, try several of the other listed HP drivers. No luck.

I have also gone on the Mepis website and also HP's website searching for the proper driver and each of these sites just take you in a circle from one to the other - and as I can see there is no place on either of them that gives a place to download a print driver for the HP 2100 for a linux O/S.

I have also done numerous google searches and I have gone to a number of sites and have yet to find a driver for this printer and a linux O/S. At this point, I am beginning to wonder if there is such a driver !!! Someone, please prove me wrong.

I have tried a number of the linux distributions and this is the type of thing I run into on each and every one of them. I am about ready to give up on this idea. If you have to spend several hours on something as simple as getting a printer to work, I wonder how much time it is going to involve when I get to something that is supposed to be complicated. I am wondering if this O/S is worth bothering with.

Does ANYONE know where a person can find print drivers for a linux O/S ?

Thanks.

 

[AnonymouseUser]

I don't see a reason to start a new thread, but I did a quick search and netted this gem.

HTH

 

[cleverhandle]

From AU's post, it sounds like there may be some Mepis-specific issues going on here. Still...

Originally posted by: wpshooter
I have also gone on the Mepis website and also HP's website searching for the proper driver and each of these sites just take you in a circle from one to the other - and as I can see there is no place on either of them that gives a place to download a print driver for the HP 2100 for a linux O/S.

You shouldn't need to download anything. An LJ2100 should speak Postscript, so you should be able to get most printing functionality using a generic Postscript driver. What are the choices you get when the configuration tool asks you to pick a driver?

If you have to spend several hours on something as simple as getting a printer to work, I wonder how much time it is going to involve when I get to something that is supposed to be complicated.

Actually, I'd say that printer configuration is about the most confusing task that a regular home adminstrator type would ever have to perform in Linux. Believe it or not, it actually used to be much, much worse. Seriously...

I am wondering if this O/S is worth bothering with.

Sounds like you're trying to bait people. If you want potential helpers to give you advice rather than get involved in a senseless flame war, leave those comments aside. I understand you're frustrated, but people are happy to help if you stay calm.