For most straightforward printing you can use lpr as it will automatically convert and print text files. The usage is
lpr -PlpG121 filename - this prints the file filename to the printer lpG121
(One of the printer naming conventions in ITEE is of the format lp{ building name }{ room number } where building name = A for Axon, G for G.P. South or H for Hawken and room number is the room the printer is in).
lpr --help will show usage and switches.
For fancier printing use a2ps. Below are some tips on using a2ps.
a2ps self help:
a2ps --help - shows usage and options
a2ps --list=defaults - shows default settings
Some useful features are:
a2ps is preset to print "two up"
to vary this the switches -1 -2 ...-9 can be used
e.g. a2ps -1 -PlpG116 filename - would print the
file filename in portrait and single page modes to the printer lpG116.
a2ps is also preset to print in simplex mode; the
switch -s can vary this with 1 being simplex 2 being duplex
e.g. a2ps -s 2 -PlpG116 filename
- prints the file filename in duplex mode to the
printer lpG116
Landscape and portrait modes are selected with the -r switch for landscape and -R for portrait.
If there are any features you require that you cannot find with this package please email student-helpdesk@itee.uq.edu.au and we will endeavour to find a way of achieving them.