CUPS

CUPS[edit | edit source]

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System) is a modular printing system for Unix-like operating systems. It provides a standard and flexible printing infrastructure that allows users to easily print documents from their computers to various printers. CUPS was developed by Michael Sweet and first released in 1999.

History[edit | edit source]

CUPS was initially developed as a replacement for the traditional Unix printing system, known as the Berkeley printing system (BSD). The goal was to create a more modern and flexible printing system that could be easily integrated with different types of printers and operating systems.

Features[edit | edit source]

CUPS offers a wide range of features that make it a popular choice for printing on Unix-like systems. Some of its key features include:

1. Printer discovery and configuration: CUPS provides tools for automatically discovering printers on the network and configuring them for use. This makes it easy for users to set up and manage printers without the need for manual configuration.

2. Print job management: CUPS allows users to manage print jobs, including viewing the status of print jobs, canceling or pausing print jobs, and prioritizing print jobs in the print queue.

3. Printer sharing: CUPS supports printer sharing, allowing multiple users to access and print to the same printer. This is particularly useful in office environments where multiple users need to use the same printer.

4. Printer driver support: CUPS supports a wide range of printer drivers, allowing users to easily connect and print to different types of printers. It also provides a driverless printing feature, which allows certain printers to be used without the need for specific drivers.

Usage[edit | edit source]

CUPS can be used through a web-based interface called the CUPS web interface. This interface allows users to configure printers, manage print jobs, and perform other administrative tasks related to printing. The CUPS web interface can be accessed by opening a web browser and navigating to the following URL: http://localhost:631.