Help with Linux please

[siskin]

I have a netbook (for working in the field) that runs on Linux.
I would like to install my printer that is an Epson Stylus Photo RX 520 onto it.
Can anybody offer any suggestions as to how to go about this.

Regards siskin

[downside]

It is a question of what type of Linux have you got?

Some flavours of Linux have a KDE interface where you go through the motions of setting up a scanner/printer - like a scanner/printer wizard.  However you will need to have a valid firmware driver.  You have to hope that your particular flavour of Linux came with a number of Epsom scanner/print drivers.

Use the print wizard and see if your scanner/printer is detected.  If it can't find a driver for your scanner/printer then you will have to Goolge for one.

We'll sort out what to do with it once you have found one later.

[siskin]

Thank you downside for your message.

I am not very computer literate, but had hoped I could put my printer onto my netbook myself, but it sounds very complicated, so I shall have to wait for my son to do it for me. I will show him the info: you have provided. Thank you very much.

Regards siskin.

[Redroger]

Though I play with Linux Siskin, and have had printer problems, (see Printer problem with Ubuntu thread) my solution to using a netbook in the field was as follows: I bought a Samsung with XP Home installed, and don't bother with a printer. To transfer data I use USB memory sticks, which so far have proved 100% effective.

[ignz]

siskin
Epson actually lists a Linux driver for the RX520, (whereas Canon don't in Redroger's case) but it seems to be a .zip file for download which i wouldn't expect for a non-Windows environment.

The process to install a device driver under Linux is not dis-similar in principle to a Windows machine. However, practically it's not always as straightforward; many Linux distributions use software "package managers" and the process of acquiring and adding those packages (including device drivers) varies depending on distribution but the pakcga menager handles it all. If the Epson download just contains the raw "binary" files then it can seem a bit daunting having to compile the driver modules and have the Linux OS recognize and apply them.

It's a good way to learn how your operating system works though !

IG

[downside]

Actually that is not true in the case of PCLinuxOS.

All you have to do is download a firmware driver to the correct directory (see http://www.rootschat.com/forum/index.php/topic,374284.0.html ) and the printer wizard will do the rest.

In fact, even with Windows, you do not have to install anything from a CD for a USB device because Windows either has a driver in its database or it can download one from the Internet.

[Redroger]

Siskin, I meant to tell you yesterday about a program called Wine which once installed enables you to run Windows programs in a Linux environment. I have installed it on my Linux system and it enables me to run My Heritage Family Tree program without any difficulty. It is a bit hit or miss with the programs you can run with it though.The best policy I think is to try it and see.

[siskin]

Thank you very much Redroger, ignz and downside.

I  will look into all your suggestions, it will help my Grandson, as I have just passed my Linux netbook onto him (he thought it very cool!!!!) and treated myself to an EeePC with XP installed, which I am delighted with. I now do as Redroger does and transfer data to my laptop using a memory stick.

Thank you, kind regards, siskin

[Redroger]

Glad to have been of help Siskin!