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School of GeoSciences

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Internal breadcrumbs: Home >> ISAES 2011 >> IT Services >> FAQ >> Printing

Printing Tips

Default Printer

Some (usually older) applications choose their default printer by looking at the environment variable PRINTER.
To set this variable on a (semi-)permanent basis, the best thing is to edit the file .bashrc and add a line such as:

export PRINTER=geosp1
Substitute your favourite printer name. (There are no spaces on either side of the =)
Duplex Printing

Duplex printing from Linux: Use, e.g.:

lpr -Pgeosp1 -o sides=two-sided-long-edge
to print double sided on the photocopiers (geosp1 to geosp5) or on other duplex printers such as psglg3, geosp9 and geosp10

The printing system used on our Linux systems is "CUPS", the Common Unix Printing System.

The CUPS user manual gives extensive information on printing options, etc.

Advice on using the Printer-Copiers is available here.

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