PDF Printer

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The tutorial will show you how to add a PDF printer to your HDA using CUPS. You can connect to it with clients and generate PDF files that will be saved on your HDA. These will be available via an Amahi file share from any client.

We will also configure the web interface to allow remote administration of printers securely via the web browser.

Install PDF Printer

sudo apt-get install cups-pdf

Secure CUPS Web Interface

This will add a user name and password to the administration section of the web interface.

  • Stop the service:
sudo stop cups
  • Edit the configuration file:
sudo vi /etc/cups/cupsd.conf
  • Add the following text below <Location /admin>:
Encryption Required
AuthType Default
Require user @SYSTEM
  • Save the file.
  • Start the service:
sudo start cups

Configure Web Interface

There are two methods, Desktop or Headless (SSH) for configuring the web access.

  • Desktop access to your HDA.
    • Access the web interface via http://localhost:631
    • Select Administration and enter your First Admin User name and password.
    • Under "Server Settings" check the box that says "Allow remote administration"
  • SSH access to your HDA.
    • Stop the service:
sudo service cups stop
    • Edit /etc/cups/cupsd.conf and make changes as follows:
      • Change Listen localhost:631 to Port 631
      • Add Allow @LOCAL above the 3 occurrences of </Location>
    • Start the service:
    • sudo service cups start

    Now you can remotely access the web interface from any client using http://hdaip:631 (hdaip is the IP address of your HDA).

    Add PDF Printer to Client

    This is a fairly easy step for Windows.

    • Access your shares via \\hda
    • Right click on the PDF printer and select "Connect".
    • You should see the PDF printer now.

    Printer3.PNG

    • Right click on the printer and select connect. Answer Yes to install when it prompts to install the printer.
    • Now, it won’t find the drivers, so select OK as we will install the drivers from the printer disk.

    Printer4.PNG

    • You should now see the add printer wizard.
    • Select "Generic" and "MS Publisher Color Printer" or similar driver that is not text only and then OK.

    Your PDF printer should now be ready to use.