Printers - again

Granny Sue

Well-Known Member
Joined
Oct 18, 2019
Messages
336
Reaction score
277
Credits
74
I have a confession to make: I don't understand drivers, why we need them, how they work and how they help me. That being said, any of you kind gurus out there who suggest I install drivers for certain things will quickly understand why my eyes glaze over, my brain stops functioning when I even hear the word, "drivers," and I just pretend I didn't read that suggestion. o_O

So, the reason for this post is this: with all my problems trying to get my printer to do what I want it to do, I decided I had to cross my fingers, take a big gulp of air and just go for it. So, I downloaded some drivers for my printer but, of course, nothing is simple, right? One of the things I downloaded was lines and lines of code (it's all geek to me!) and, by golly, if I didn't get an error message warning me something was wrong with the code and I could corrupt something if I continued. I didn't continue, I cancelled. (And I was so DARNED proud of myself for being so brave!) I will attempt to get a screenshot of the offending code. I also downloaded 4 other driver items that had many things packaged with them, and telling me I need to install the entire package.

I really think this is a lot to try to explain. I could really use somebody willing to ask me questions so you get the right answers and also to walk me through this process. Anybody up for a challenge?

Thanks so much!

By the way, I have an Epson Stylus NX420 printer-all-in-one and I'm running Linux Mint on my Compaq. I'll happy to come up with more details if necessary. :)
 


so being a simple person let me explain this simply: so the linux kernel is the core of the linux OS ; part of what it does is communicate with hardware. The parts of the software which communicate with hardware are modules, modules basically == what they call drivers in windows.
 
so you might remember windows 98 was quite slim and then got bigger, because they tried to include all the stuff like printer drivers for every conceivable model . The kernel is also getting bigger and i think the idea of modules which can be loaded and unloaded is an idea on how to cope with providing similar stuff. Also there are versions such as "generic kernel " and huge kernel .
 
so being a simple person let me explain this simply: so the linux kernel is the core of the linux OS ; part of what it does is communicate with hardware. The parts of the software which communicate with hardware are modules, modules basically == what they call drivers in windows.
Thank you for that most helpful explanation, Captain. At least I now have an idea of what's being talked about. I'm definitely not ready to give up on Linux Mint, I'd get a new printer first. So, I think my next step is to go the easy guides @arochester posted and see what I can come up with.
 
so being a simple person let me explain this simply: so the linux kernel is the core of the linux OS ; part of what it does is communicate with hardware. The parts of the software which communicate with hardware are modules, modules basically == what they call drivers in windows.
Thank you for that most helpful explanation, Captain. At least I now have an idea of what's being talked about. I'm definitely not ready to give up on Linux Mint, I'd get a new printer first. So, I think my next step is to go the easy guides @arochester posted and see what I can come up with. (Forgot to hit "post reply.")
 
And I'm so glad you're slackware comment was tongue in cheek! :D
 
Question, does the following error code mean I can't or shouldn't install the package?

W: GPG error: http://repository.spotify.com stable InRelease: The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 4773BD5E130D1D45
E: The repository 'http://repository.spotify.com stable InRelease' is not signed.
N: Updating from such a repository can't be done securely, and is therefore disabled by default.
N: See apt-secure(8) manpage for repository creation and user configuration details.
W: An error occurred during the signature verification. The repository is not updated and the previous index files will be used. GPG error: http://dl.google.com/linux/earth/deb stable Release: The following signatures couldn't be verified because the public key is not available: NO_PUBKEY 78BD65473CB3BD13
 
Hi Granny,
I'll give it to you just like a friend gave it to me eons ago.
Simple definition of 'driver' --- "It's a small item {or file} that allows the printer to 'talk' to the computer and then the computer can tell the printer what it wants it to do." It allows the computer and the printer to have a two way conversation.
Hope that is clear for you.
Old Geezer
TC
 
Thank you for that most helpful explanation, Captain. At least I now have an idea of what's being talked about. I'm definitely not ready to give up on Linux Mint, I'd get a new printer first. So, I think my next step is to go the easy guides @arochester posted and see what I can come up with. (Forgot to hit "post reply.")
Sue,
I have Linux Mint 19.3 on my main computer. I have an HP Office Jet 3830 that works very nicely with it.
Old Geezer
TC
 
Also, Mark, Captain, TC and whoever else may be watching this, do I need to download and install ALL the drivers? I won't need the laser downloads, of course, but do I really need to install all 3 inkjet drivers, as well as all 3 scanner drivers, or just the newest one?

Manual - Linux

Last modified : 2018.10.15

Inkjet Printer Driver





Laser Printer Driver




PC-Fax Driver




Printer Utility




Scanner Driver
 
Sue, quick question. You deleted a post above

  • Deleted by Granny Sue
  • Feb 2, 2020
  • Reason: unnecessary post, found solution online

Does that mean you have solved the printing issue??

Wiz
 
Unfortunately, no. I can't remember just what the post was that I deleted. I thought I had found the answer but discovered, whatever it was I did, that when I COPY something in color it works just fine, but when I try to print through the printer, the color is still messed up. However, I recently found the disk for my printer and I want to try to see if I can install from that. I thought I'd wait until I after I do the Timeshift thing, though, so I'm only battling one thing at a time.

Sue
 
cool.

let us know the contents of the printer disk, we may be able to advise.

when the time comes.

wiz
 
okie dokey, smokey!
 

Members online


Latest posts

Top