Print Services Management - Handling Print Queue Issues

Introduction:

Print queue issues can disrupt printing workflows and cause frustration for users. Stuck print jobs, misconfigured settings, or network connectivity problems are some of the common incidents that can affect print services. In this blog post, we will explore how to handle incidents related to print queue issues using relevant Linux commands and configuration adjustments.

Step 1: Pre-Incident Tasks

Before addressing print queue issues, ensure that the necessary packages and services are installed and running. Execute the following commands:

yum install ghostscript -y
yum install hplip-common -y
yum install cups -y
yum install hplip -y
yum install gutenprint-cups -y
systemctl start cups
vi /etc/cups/cupsd.conf

Edit the cupsd.conf file to configure the print server settings:

MaxLogSize 2000
Listen *:631
BrowseLocalProtocols all
#Restrict access to the server...

    Order allow,deny
    allow all

Restart the cups service to apply the changes:

systemctl restart cups

Adjust the firewall rules to allow print services:

firewall-cmd --permanent --add-port=631/tcp
firewall-cmd --reload
firewall-cmd --list-all

Start the cups-browsed service and check the status of cups and cups-browsed:

systemctl start cups-browsed
systemctl status cups
systemctl status cups-browsed

Temporarily disable SELinux:

setenforce 0

Step 2: Incident Handling - Print Queue Configuration

To address print queue issues, we will configure the print queue using the CUPS web interface. Access the CUPS administration page in your web browser:

https://localhost:631/admin

In the administration interface, add a new printer using the IPP protocol. Follow the on-screen instructions to select the appropriate printer model and driver.

Alternatively, use the following commands to add the printer:

lpadmin -p RPS-Printer -v socket://localhost:631 -D "HP1000" -L "Mumbai" -o printer-error-policy="retry-job" -u allow:all -m ghostpdf.ppd
cupsenable RPS-Printer
lpstat -p RPS-Printer -l
accept RPS-Printer

Step 3: Print Jobs Handling

Use the following commands to check the print jobs and send a test print job:

lp -d RPS-Printer abc.txt
to check jobs
https://localhost:631/jobs/

Conclusion:

Addressing print queue issues promptly is crucial for maintaining smooth printing workflows. By properly configuring print services, managing print jobs, and using Linux commands like lpadmin, lp, and lpstat, administrators can effectively handle incidents related to print queue problems.

Implementing reliable print services management practices will enhance printing efficiency and ensure a seamless user experience.

Keywords: Print Services Management, Incident, Print Queue Issues, Stuck Print Jobs, Linux Commands, CUPS, Print Server, Printer Configuration, Print Job Management, CUPS Web Interface, SELinux, Print Services Efficiency.