[OPLINTECH] Print release software

[Nathan Eady]

Ed Liddle <eliddle at marysvillelib.org> writes:

> Here is an article about a library using samba and cups to manage
> print jobs.
> http://www.linux.com/archive/feature/152260

Interesting.  Somehow, I was totally unaware that CUPS had this (hold
until manually released) functionality.

We use CUPS and Samba for print sharing, because that way the print
server can be a headless old small-form-factor system behind the circ
desk, which the staff can just think of as part of the printer.  We
used to just use one of the patron computers as the print server, but
we wanted to move the printer behind the desk so that patrons have to
come to us to claim their print jobs.

Now I'm wondering whether the release interface, if we were to use it,
might be able to show page counts in our case, since our configuration
is somewhat different than the one described.  (I set up CUPS for
printing from the local system first and then set up Samba
subsequently, so I'm fairly certain CUPS has a working driver for the
printer in our setup.  Our PCs all see it as a network print share,
unlike the setup in the article.)  I don't think I would want to
implement the release interface if it won't show page counts.

Hmmm...  I may have to grab another old PC off the repurpose pile
and experiment with this possibility.  After my current project.

-- 
Nathan Eady
Galion Public Library