About the print service
The UNIX system print service is a collection of utilities
that help you, as system administrator (or lp administrator),
to configure, monitor, and control the printers on your system.
See
``Overview of print request processing''.
The print service:
-
receives files users want to print.
-
filters the files (if needed) so they can print properly.
-
schedules the work of one or more printers.
-
starts programs that interface with the printer(s).
-
keeps track of the status of jobs.
-
alerts you to printer problems.
-
keeps track of mounting forms and filters.
-
issues error messages when problems arise.
When a user sends a file to a printer,
the print service assigns the request (or ``print job'')
a unique name, the ``request ID''.
The request ID consists of the name of the printer
on which the file is to be printed and a unique number identifying the file.
Use this request ID to find out the
status of the print job or to cancel the print job.
See
``Deleting print jobs''
and
``Viewing jobs in the print queue''.
The print service keeps track of all the print requests in the
request log.
The print job is ``spooled'',
or lined up, with other print jobs to be sent to a printer.
Each print job is processed and waits its turn in line to be printed.
This line of pending print jobs is called a ``print queue''.
Each printer has its own queue;
you can
hold jobs in the queue,
move jobs up in a queue,
or
transfer jobs to another queue.
Next topic:
Overview of print request processing
Previous topic:
Grouping printers into a class
© 2003 Caldera International, Inc. All rights reserved.
SCO OpenServer Release 5.0.7 -- 11 February 2003