19.3 Installing the Software
PPD (PostScript printer description) is the
computer language that describes the properties, like resolution,
and options, such as the availability of a duplex unit. These
descriptions are required for using various printer
options in CUPS. Without a PPD file, the print data would be
forwarded to the printer in a raw
state, which is
usually not desired.
During the installation of SUSE Linux Enterprise, many PPD files
are preinstalled to enable even printers without
PostScript support to be used.
To configure a PostScript printer, the best approach is
to get a suitable PPD file.
Many PPD files are available in the package
manufacturer-PPDs, which is automatically
installed within the scope of the standard installation. See Section 19.6.3,
PPD Files in Various Packages and Section 19.7.2,
No Suitable PPD File Available for a PostScript Printer.
New PPD files can be stored in the directory
/usr/share/cups/model/ or
added to the print system with YaST (see
Manual Configuration).
Subsequently, the PPD file can be selected
during the installation.
Be careful if a printer manufacturer wants you to install
entire software
packages in addition to modifying configuration files. First, this kind of
installation would result in the loss of the
support provided by SUSE Linux Enterprise and, second, print commands may work
differently and the system may no longer be able to
address devices of other manufacturers. For this reason, the installation
of manufacturer software is not recommended.