How to Set Up a USB Printer in Red Hat Linux

Before you can use the new printer connected to the office workstation, you’ll need to add the printer to the system and install the relevant driver files. The latest versions of Red Hat Enterprise Linux utilize the Common Unix Printing System (CUPS) to manage and maintain printers connected to the system. This simplifies printer setup with an all-in-one CUPS-based Printer Configuration Tool.

Connect the USB printer to the system and power it on.

Click the “System” menu, select “Administration” and click “Printing.”

Click the “New” button.

Select the USB printer in the “Devices” panel and click the “Forward” button. The printer configuration tool attempts to automatically detect the printer type and install the relevant drivers. If it is successful, skip the next step.

Select the make of the printer and click the “Forward” button. Select the model of the printer, then select the driver from the “Driver” panel. Click the “Forward” button.

Enter a name for the printer in the “Printer Name” input box. If you are planning to share printers on the office network or have multiple printers connected to the same system, fill in the “Description” and “Location” input boxes. For example, “Workstation #2 Black & White Laserjet” for a description or “Workroom” for a location may make it easier to administrate and troubleshoot office printers later.

Click the “Apply” button. A test page print dialog appears. If desired, click the “Yes” button to print a test page.