HPLIP, short for HP Linux Imaging and Printing, is a software suite developed by HP that brings the convenience and functionality of HP’s range of printers and scanners to the Linux environment. Not only does HPLIP bridge the compatibility gap between HP hardware and Linux, but it also offers a range of features to enhance user experience.
Let’s delve into some of these key features:
- Comprehensive Printer Support: HPLIP supports many HP printers, including DeskJet, OfficeJet, Photosmart, PSC (Print Scan Copy), Business Inkjet, LaserJet, and LaserJet Multi-function Printers.
- Scanner Accessibility: The software integrates with HP scanners, making scanning documents and images hassle-free.
- Fax Capability: HPLIP enables sending and receiving faxes for supported models, integrating smoothly with the Linux system.
- Automatic Device Discovery: It effortlessly detects HP devices connected to the system, simplifying set-up and configuration.
- Graphical Tools: HPLIP comes with a set of graphical tools that aid in managing printing and scanning tasks, offering a user-friendly interface.
As we move forward, you’ll find that installing HPLIP on Fedora Linux is a straightforward process that significantly expands the capabilities of your HP devices, ensuring a smooth and efficient workflow.
Update Fedora Packages Before HPLIP Installation
Updating your Fedora system is a critical first step in the installation process. This ensures your system has the latest security enhancements and bug fixes.
Open your terminal, and to execute the update, type and run the following command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshThis command refreshes your system’s package repository data before upgrading the packages. It’s a fundamental practice in system maintenance that helps prevent compatibility issues or security vulnerabilities during the HPLIP installation.
Install HPLIP via DNF Command
The next step involves installing HPLIP using Fedora’s DNF package manager. This tool simplifies the installation process by automating the retrieval and setup of the necessary packages.
Enter and execute the following command in your terminal:
sudo dnf install hplip hplip-guiExecuting this command, you install both the HPLIP software and its graphical user interface (GUI). The hplip package is essential for HP device compatibility, while hplip-gui provides a user-friendly interface for managing your HP devices. This dual installation enhances the ease of use and functionality of your HP printers and scanners in the Fedora environment.
Run the HPLIP set-up GUI
Launching HPLIP Set-up for Printer and Scanner Configuration
After successfully installing HPLIP, it’s time to configure your HP printer and scanner. This step is crucial for ensuring your devices are correctly set up and ready for use.
In your terminal, execute the following command:
sudo hp-setupThis command initiates the HPLIP set-up wizard, a user-friendly interface that guides you through configuring your HP devices.
Setting Up a USB-Based HP Printer or Scanner
A different command is needed if your HP printer or scanner connects via USB. This ensures the set-up process specifically recognizes USB-connected devices.
In your terminal, enter:
hp-setup -b usbThis command tells the HPLIP set-up to focus on USB-connected devices, streamlining your USB HP printer or scanner configuration.
Configuring Networked HP Printers
For networked printers, specific IP addresses are used for configuration. For example, if your networked printer has an IP address of 192.168.50.100, you would use the following command:
hp-setup 192.168.50.100This command directly targets your networked printer using its IP address, facilitating a tailored set-up process for network-connected HP devices.
Accessing HPLIP Set-up in Fedora’s Applications Menu
After completing the set-up, you can access the HPLIP configuration anytime from Fedora’s applications menu. Navigate as follows:
Activities > Show Applications > HPLIP
This pathway allows you to easily access and adjust settings or troubleshoot your HP devices whenever necessary.
Printing a Test Page to Verify HPLIP Set-up
Once you have installed and configured HPLIP on your Fedora system, verifying that the installation was successful is essential. A practical way to do this is by printing a test page.
Open your terminal and use the following command:
lp -d printer-name /usr/share/doc/hplip/examples/hp-testpage.pdfIn this command, replace printer-name with the actual name of your HP printer. This action sends a print command to your printer, directing it to print the test page located in the HPLIP examples directory. If your printer successfully prints this page, it indicates that HPLIP has been correctly installed and configured on your system.
Additional Test: Printing a Different Document
To further confirm the functionality of HPLIP, try printing a different document. This can be any PDF or text file on your system. For example, to print a document named sample.pdf, use:
lp -d printer-name /path/to/sample.pdfEnsure to replace printer-name with your printer’s name and /path/to/sample.pdf with the actual path to your file. This step helps ensure that your printer is not just capable of printing the test page but also other documents, confirming the versatility and reliability of the HPLIP installation.
Managing HPLIP
Update HPLIP
Keeping your HPLIP software updated is crucial for maintaining performance and security. To update HPLIP on your Fedora system, first, ensure that all your packages, including HPLIP, are up to date.
Open your terminal and execute this command:
sudo dnf upgrade --refreshThis command refreshes your system’s repositories and updates all installed packages to their latest versions. It’s a vital step in system maintenance, ensuring that HPLIP and other software receive the latest features and security patches.
Remove HPLIP
There might be instances where you need to remove HPLIP from your Fedora system, perhaps for troubleshooting purposes or because you no longer use HP devices. To uninstall HPLIP, execute the following command in the terminal:
sudo dnf remove hplipThis command will remove the HPLIP package from your system. It’s important to note that this action will disable any HP printer or scanner functionality on your Fedora system. Ensure that you no longer require HPLIP before proceeding with this command.
Conclusion
This guide explored the simple yet essential steps to install and manage HPLIP on 40 or 39 Fedora Linux. This process empowers you to seamlessly integrate your HP printers and scanners with Fedora, ensuring optimal functionality. Remember, keeping HPLIP updated is key to maintaining smooth performance; if needed, you know how to remove it efficiently.