How Linux Works

Print Servers

There are several different Unix print servers. Here are just a few:

Berkeley LPD (Line Printer Daemon)

One of the oldest print servers around, this system is fairly stable, but is somewhat sparse on features and can be difficult to configure. Many network-capable printers have integrated LPD servers.

LPRng

This new spin on LPD has many new features, but in all honesty, is not any easier to configure. You may also see a related package named PLP (Portable Line Printer).

lpsched

This is the System V printing system. If you're lucky, you'll never have to see it.

CUPS (Common Unix Printing System)

Sooner or later, someone was bound to get so fed up with the ugly state of printer clients and daemons on Unix that they wanted to rip everything ...