Printing: Setting Up Lexmark Printers

Support knowledgebase (jsmeix_print-gdi-lexmark)
Applies to

SuSE Linux: Versions up to (including) 7.3

Situation

You want to use your Lexmark printer with Linux.

Preliminary remark on Lexmark printers

According to Lexmark (version November 1999):

Virtually none of the currently available Lexmark ink-jet printers, and specially the Z series (Z11, Z31), run under Linux. An exception to this rule are those printers that directly "understand" any of the common printer languages (HP PCL , ESC/P2 , PostScript) and not merely emulate via the included Windows driver. For further information, please contact Lexmark directly.

These printers can only be accessed through the (Windows) driver included in them via Lexmark's own control strings (GDI printers). The new models do not work with the control strings of previous models. That is why the current drivers (for Lexmark 7000 or 5700) probably no longer work.

Since Lexmark does not want to make publich the information regarding the control strings, which is considered Lexmark's industrial secret, it is extremely difficult (if not impossible) to program Linux drivers for the current Lexmark printers.

The article "GDI Printers" (http://sdb.suse.de/en/sdb/html/ke_printer-gdi.html) provides you with information on what Lexmark printers are supported in each SuSE Linux version.

Recommendation

Some Lexmark printers, particularly the PostScript printers, are known to work with Linux.

However, Lexmark ink-jet printers in particular do not work with Linux. These specific printers are the so-called GDI printers, only accessible through the included (Windows) driver.

Since Lexmark's Linux support is somewhat uncertain, we recommend you to get in touch with Lexmark before purchasing a Lexmark printer and ask directly about the printer's usability under Linux.

Printing with Lexmark 7000 or 5700

You have a Lexmark 7000, a Lexmark 5700, or any other GDI printer supported by the driver pbm2l7k and you want to print by using this driver.

Procedure:

From SuSE Linux 6.4 on, please proceed as described in the article GDI Printers.


See also:
o GDI Printers
o Installing a Printer

Keywords: PRINT, PRINTER, GDI, LEXMARK

Categories: Frequently asked Questions , Documentation , Printer

Feedback welcome: Send Mail to jsmeix@suse.de (Please give the following subject: SDB-jsmeix_print-gdi-lexmark)
SDB-jsmeix_print-gdi-lexmark, Copyright SuSE Linux AG, Nürnberg, Germany - Version: 09. Nov 1999
SuSE Linux AG - Last generated: 12. Jun 2002 by sjsmeix (sdb_gen 1.40.0)