Printer Drivers

A printer driver is software that Mac OS uses to communicate with a specific kind of printer. It contains information about the printer and instructions for using it. You can't open and read a printer driver, but your computer can.

There are basically two kinds of printers:

• A PostScript printer uses PostScript technology developed by Adobe Systems. Inside the printer is a PostScript interpreter, which can process PostScript language commands to print high-quality text and graphics. Examples of PostScript printers include most laser printers.

• A non-PostScript printer relies on the computer to send it all of the instructions it needs for printing text and graphics. It cannot process PostScript commands. Examples of non-PostScript printers include most inkjet or photo printers. Non-PostScript printers are generally more common for home and small business use, primarily because they are less expensive than PostScript printers. Their print quality is quite acceptable for most purposes.

A standard installation of Mac OS X installs many commonly used printer drivers. When you buy a printer, it should come with a CD that includes its printer driver software; if your computer does not recognize your printer, you'll need to install this software to use it.

Tips

• If you do not have a printer driver for your printer, you may not be able to print.

• To install a printer driver, follow the instructions that came with its installer or installation disc.

• If you need to install printer driver software for your printer, make sure it is Mac OS X compatible. If your printer did not come with Mac OS X compatible printer software, you may be able to get it from the printer manufacturer's Web site.