The KDE Printing Manager

KDE includes a printing abstraction layer (kprinter) that provides the print dialog box for KDE applications and a utility for managing printers (Figure 14-10). To display the Printing Manager window, enter kcmshell printmgr on a command line. From KDE select Main menu: Control Center Peripherals Printers. You can use the related kprinter utility to print files.

Figure 14-10. The KDE Printing Manager

The kprinter abstraction layer is not a stand-alone program and does not replace CUPS. Rather, kprinter is an interface between an application or a user submitting a print job and the printing system. KDE's Printing Manager provides much of the same functionality as CUPS and can use CUPS as a printing mechanism. With proper permissions, the Printing Manager performs the following tasks:

• Starts print jobs You can start a print job with the Printing Manager, as well as from a command line or within an application.

• Controls print jobs The Printing Manager can display information on each of your print jobs. From these windows, you can cancel print jobs (even when they have started printing), hold and release print jobs, and move print jobs to different queues (as long as they have not started printing). You can also send a print job as a fax or save it as a PDF or PostScript file.

• Works with printers You can add, remove, and modify printers and their properties.

• Works with multiple printing systems The Printing Manager works with CUPS, LPRng, RLPR, PDQ, and other printing systems.

• Works with filters The Printing Manager allows you to import existing printing filters (page 1032) or to install new ones.

Refer to the KDEPrint Handbook (click Help from the kprinter window) for more information.