Ubuntu
cups package

Driver for Canon Pixma MP550 printer?

Asked by skkeeper

I recently acquired a Canon Pixma MP550 multifunctions printer and I was disapointed to find out that Ubuntu doesn't support it out of the box. To worst the situation Canon doesn't give linux support to this specific model.

I found that I can use Turboprint, but it's a 30 day trial and after that it costs 30 euros/year. One of the motives I got away from Windows was from having to pay for software I really dont want to or have money to spend in something so simple has a printer driver.

If you know where can I get a PPD file or a workarround this please tell me or I'll eventually will have to downgrade my old laptop to Windows XP.

Thanks and Namaste

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Matthieu Baerts
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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#1

They dont support linux at all so a PPD may be hard to find. I suspect you will be installing XP. Canon printer support for Linux is garbage. Linux support in general for hardware is fairly lacking but if you buy Linux super compliant hardware (HP make awesome drivers). Then you will get less issues.

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Adelie (dave-solar1) said : 		#2

Ok, Dont give us so easily. I had the same issue with helping my mother-in-law with her brand new ubuntu + MP550 printer. You can download a .deb package here: http://support-au.canon.com.au/contents/AU/EN/0100236402.html

Although it says it's only for Aussies and Kiwi's only ( I'm in QLD), It should work anywhere. It worked like a charm.

-Adelie

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Pavel Franc (pmf-seznam) said : 		#3

Thanks for the link, works for me. However, the situation with Canon drivers is really poor, it's a shame.

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#4

It's Canon's fault for providing appauling support. You should pressure them for drivers.

Personally I'd stick purely to HP. Vote with your wallet

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Pavel Franc (pmf-seznam) said : 		#5

Of course, that's what I mean - it's Canon's problem, I agree.

The problem is that 1) personally I have better experiences with Canon ink printers than HP (mainly price and ability to refill cartridges etc.) and 2) their devices are popular on many of friends' computers where I'd like to run linux. So I have to get over it or stay on win :-(

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actionparsnip (andrew-woodhead666) said : 		#6

Looks like Linux is not the tool for the job in this case. Linux is not always the tool for the job despite what many fanboys say.

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Best Matthieu Baerts (matttbe) said : 		#7

Hello,

If you have some trouble to install this printer on Ubuntu (32/64bits) or if you want use it with more parameters (quality, resolution and greyscale) and also use your scanner with Sane (e.g. with Xsane or gscan2pdf) you can take a look at this mini-tutorial : http://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?p=8575726#post8575726

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skkeeper (skkeeper) said : 		#8

Thanks Matthieu Baerts, that solved my question.