When I started using ubuntu, one of my dream for  an open source software like ubuntu is to become fully supported by all proprietary hardware manufacturer. I know that, it would take more time before it came to reality, the  way how things are working right now are thru contributions by different geeks, good hackers, advocates & enthusiasts via the world wide web.

I’LL make this tutorial very easy for anybody, I already compiled all the resources that you need. Recently I bought a new CanonIP1980 printer, then I tried to use it via Ubuntu 10.04 Linux OS. Here are the step by step process how to do it:

Step 1:

- Get all the source that you need, click here

- After downloading, extract the files & you will see libcupsys & iP1900 debian driver.- Just in case you need an alternative download for iP1900_debian_printer.tar, here is the link

http://software.canon-europe.com/products/0010647.asp

- Open your terminal or console.

- If your using ubuntu 9.04 or lower than that, there is also other alternative way to get libcupsys2, try to do:

$ sudo apt-get install libcupsys2

- Next go to folder you used to download the driver:
$ cd /path/to/your/folder

- Untar the dowloaded file:
$ tar -xf iP1900_debian_printer.tar

- You will now have 3 files on this folder (+ original tar downloaded file).
(In my case I’ve untargz the “tar.gz” file inside, but don’t think that this is necessary, how ever if you wanted or need to doit:
$ tar xvzf cnijfilter-common-3.00-1.tar.gz)

Step 2:

Then let’s install:

$ sudo dpkg -i *deb
- This will install the two deb packages included in the downloaded tar file that will install the proper drivers in the computer database.

- If your done installing, exit the terminal.

Step 3:

-Go to CUPS web manager using any of your favorite browser, run http://127.0.0.1:631

- In the page go to Admin and find the button that says “Find new printer” and then follow the assistant.

- After you complete the assistant, verify the printer properties by going to system->administration->printing->then right click the printer to show the properties.

You can run test print page to verify that its working, then if it works, CONGRATULATIONS!

Hope this helps someone. If you have troubles making the tutorial works just post your concern here, I will be glad to answer your question.

Watch out for my next post, for the part 2 of this tutorial its about how to print via your network & how to lower down print resolution via Ubuntu.