My spring break consisted of formatting all the computers in my house and reinstalling Windows XP. We also added a new server for printing. The print server runs Ubuntu Linux 6.10 and was capable of sharing the printer through Samba or CUPS (i.e. a HTTP address). I am writing this to share with you the frustration of trying to find that file that contains the driver. Instead, I was forced to install the entire suite of software HP wants me to install. Even then, I was unable to change the port to a network port. What happened to the old days?

I remember the days when installing a printer involved the process of plugging it in, putting in a CD, and going through Windows’ “Add New Printer” wizard. and selecting the .ini file. The printer proceeds to just work. If this printer were to be on the network, I would do the procedures again on each client with insignificant adaptations to the procedure.

I continue to wish for those days because it gives me the control I need to get a job done right in the most efficient and economical fashion possible. In the course of making things easier and more “idiot-proof,” I believe that the manufacturers actually complicated the process and introduced more points where things could go wrong. Perhaps this happens only because I am using an all-in-one printer and that I should separate printer and scanner again. Nevertheless, I believe that consumers should have control should they desire it. I, for one, am not willing to buy a $300 printer for the sake of its networking capabilities; and I am sure that some cannot justify buying one printer for each computer. Indeed, I see it as uneconomical and harmful to the environment.