A complete guide to adding the "Find-Me" print queue on Linux distributions using IPP and the standardized Mobility Print protocol.
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Prerequisites
Prepare your system by installing the necessary CUPS and Samba utilities.
A. Install Packages
Distribution Command Arch Linux sudo pacman -S cups cups-pdf sambaDebian / Ubuntu sudo apt install cups cups-pdf sambaFedora / RHEL sudo dnf install cups cups-pdf sambaB. Start Services & Permissions
Enable the CUPS service so it starts automatically.
sudo systemctl enable --now cups.serviceAdd your user to the local printer admin group:
sudo groupadd lpadmin sudo usermod -aG lpadmin your_usernameImportant Running theusermodcommand for the first time usually requires a Logout/Login cycle to apply the new group membership. -
Samba Fix
The
smbspoolbackend often requires a valid configuration file to function, even for client use.A. Check Status
testparmIf you see "Loaded services file OK", you can skip this step. If it errors, proceed below.
B. Create Config
Create a minimal
/etc/samba/smb.conf:[global] workgroup = WORKGROUP security = userTo save: Press Ctrl + O, then Enter. To exit: Press Ctrl + X.
This file ensures the CUPS backend can load the necessary libraries without crashing.
C. Verify Config
Run the test command again to confirm the fix:
testparmIt should now output "Loaded services file OK". You can now proceed to the next step.
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Windows Config Extraction Optional
This step is highly recommended to verify the exact printer configuration details, including the URI and driver name, by checking a working Windows machine.
A. Open PowerShell
Press the Windows Key and search for
powershell.B. Run Dump Command
Get-Printer | Format-List > C:\Users\YourUser\Documents\ALL_Printers_Config.txtUser Path ChangeYourUserto your actual Windows username. If unsure, open cmd and typewhoami. The output format isDEVICENAME\user(e.g.,Shorekeeper\eagle)—use the name after the backslash.This command creates a text file in your Windows Documents folder containing all active printer configuration details.
Critical Tip Open the generated text file and find the printer AC-PRINT. Look for the PortName value and copy the URI only up to the "AC-PRINT" part. Use this if it differs from the example in the next step. -
CUPS Configuration
Navigate to http://localhost:631/ and go to Administration > Add Printer.
Connection URI:http://rpc.pc-printer-discovery.ottawa.ad.algonquincollege.com:9163/printers/AC-PRINT- Select Internet Printing Protocol (http)
- Enter the Connection URI (as seen above)
- Name it AC-Print-Mobility
- Select Driver: Generic PostScript Printer
- Click Add Printer
- Click Set Default Options
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Authentication
When you print, you will be prompted for credentials.
Username AC Network UserPassword AC Network PassSuccess Once the job status is "Completed", tap your student card at any printer to release.