RE: Managing a printer via linux vs. Windows

["Steve Garcia" <steve adzac com>]

> > Note that logistics prevent the printer from being directly 
> > connected (via
> > parallel port) to the linux box.  Even if I set up
> > a Samba share for the printer and use the share to limit 
> > printer access to a
> > subset of users, won't any random pc plugged
> > into the subnet with the appropriate (common) private ip 
> > address be able to
> > use the printer via the JetDirect box?
> > 
> > 
> > Steve
> 
> True, if its on the network and the IP is advertised, it is 
> VERY easy to print to it bypassing your print server.  As 
> long as you know how to setup a TCP port on your laptop and 
> make the print queue.  (about a 45 second operation)
> 
> If you don't want anyone but office folk to print to the printer...
> 
> 1) Move the printer to a less obvious location
> 2) DISABLE ALL your network jacks that aren't being used, and 
> keep the network closet out of site or locked.  Open network 
> jacks is a security issue anyway if you are at worried about that.

Thank you, Travis.  I've never needed to do what you describe.
You are talking about something other than Windows' "Add printer"
wizard, I believe.  To use your method, wouldn't the user need to know
exactly what they are looking for...what printer, what printer server?

Yeah, I have thought about the open jacks and security. Hmmm. The now
obvious solution of disabling the open ports solves the unauthorized
printing problem as well.

Steve