Network print server(s) -- WTH ?

HW_HackHW_Hack North of Kalifornia
edited March 2009 in Science & Tech
OK - I'm in new territory here. I am pondering testing a print server at our large high school. 800 computers 70% mac 30% PC --- maybe 90 networked printers.

Issue is that in our computer labs when 20 kids hit print ... the local printer can sometimes freak-out and panic ensues etc. So I thought a simple Linux print server might help on both keeping the printer from flipping out and gisve some control on giving some enhanced que management.

So in my head I saw an ubuntu print server (remote from the printer) managing the printing for one or two printers. Printers are networked - print jobs go to the server - then get spooled out to a printer on the network.

So how feasible is this and pros / cons

I also see print sharing (Samba I guess) where I could have a very low end PC running linux (Puppy or DamSmallLinux) with the printer attached to the PC --- however the printer link would have to be USB.

What are the pros cons here

I'm also seeking ease of management AND ease of client setup -- adding printers etc.


I also see a print server as hopefully a mechanism to reduce printer / toner waste by being able to set things like max number of copies

Also - if you know of a good link or book let me know as well

THANKS for ALL your help in advance
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