I’m more of a casual/newbie Linux user and I want to know if a specific Brother model is compatible with it. For reference, it’s the HL-L2465DW monochrome laser printer.

  • azimir@lemmy.ml
    0·
    4 days ago

    The question is really: How do I check if a specific printer is compatible with CUPS (Common Unix Printing System).

    Mint (and most other distros) use CUPS to manage printers and printing. I’d check there.

    That said, Brother printers are often supported. The company is proactive on Linux drivers and tools, but I don’t know about your specific device.

    Once my HP LJ4 died many years ago, I moved to Brother laserjets and have never looked back. They’re great.

    If it’s got a scanner also make sure to check out the GUI scanner tool in Mint/Cinnamon: Document Scanner It has been phenomenal for initiating network-based scanning using our printers, even handling multiplexing and simple page re-ordering issues.

    • TruePe4rl@lemmy.mlEnglish
      0·
      1 day ago

      Just a small note, scanning is handled by SANE. So you have to look for that is some form, when troubleshooting.

  • unwarlikeExtortion@lemmy.ml
    0·
    4 days ago

    CUPS is the UNIX (i.e. both Linux AND Mac) print software. For some reason it’s maintained by Apple.

    So chances are if a printer works on Mac (which it will), it’ll also work on Linux (which it does).

    You only need to find the right “print driver” which is actually just a preset for CUPS. Scrolling the list can be quite annoying if you don’t know where to look, as it’s highly unlikely to find your exact model listed (which doesn’t mean others won’t work - they will. It’s just hit or miss sometimes if the autodetect doesn’t work).

    That being said, if you’re shopping for a printer and have the ability to choose, try checking the manufacturer support website for “Linux drivers” (i.e. ppd files). Most should turn something up.

  • NutWrench@lemmy.mlEnglish
    0·
    4 days ago

    I have two Brother black and white laser printers (L2685 and L2640DW). Linux detected both of them and installed drivers for both of them. Both printers work fine for me (scanners work, too) and I haven’t bothered to download specific driver packages from Brother’s website (they ARE available)

    You can also try booting your computer with a Live version of Mint. If Mint detects your printers during the Live session, it will detect them when you install it for real.

  • Handles@leminal.spaceEnglish
    0·
    4 days ago

    I installed another but similar Brother model on Arch recently, so not exactly what you’re asking. But it took 5-10 minutes between finding drivers and printing a test page. I doubt it will be much different in Mint 👍

  • molten_boron@sh.itjust.works
    0·
    4 days ago

    If you look closely at the front of the printer, there should be a label of some kind. All printers have one, and it shouldn’t be too difficult to find. The one you’ll want will start with a “B”. If the rest of the label is “rother”, then it’ll probably be compatible.

  • pinball_wizard@lemmy.zip
    0·
    5 days ago

    With Linux Mint, I haven’t had to install any drivers for printers in the last few years. Your mileage may vary.

    Remember that you can boot to a Linux Mint USB stick to try it out, and just remove the stick and reboot to go back to Windows, afterwards.

  • ejs@piefed.socialEnglish
    0·
    5 days ago

    That printer probably supports AirPrint, which Mint supports without any extra tinkering. Connect the printer to your network, and try going through linux mint and adding the printer through the settings. If it doesn’t show up, then you can try using drivers (install using below command) and then re-adding the printer

    Install by pasting this into your terminal. Enter your password when prompted.

    TMP_DEB=$(mktemp --suffix=.deb) && curl -sSL "https://support.brother.com/g/b/downloadend.aspx?c=us&lang=en&prod=hll2465dw_us&os=128&dlid=dlf106036_000&flang=4&type3=10283" -o "$TMP_DEB" && sudo apt install -y "$TMP_DEB" && rm -f "$TMP_DEB"

    Explanation if you want to learn:

    • Brother offers drivers online
    • Download the “linux printer driver (.deb package)”
    • Then, to install onto your system, use your package manager and tell it to install the package you downloaded sudo apt install ./Downloads/package_name.deb
    • softotteep@pawb.socialEnglish
      0·
      5 days ago

      Please don’t encourage Linux noobs to paste random shit into their terminal and type in their password. It’s the absolute easiest way to get hacked on Linux.

      • ejs@piefed.socialEnglish
        0·
        5 days ago

        I certainly wasn’t trying to “encourage” anything. I agree, blindly trusting commands is dangerous.

        In this context I present a specific explanation of how the install works. This adds to the novice’s knowledge, and allows them to begin to understand what my one-liner does.

        I think that without the context of instructions on how to do it manually, yes, you could make the case i’m enabling beginners to form/reinforce bad habits.

        • steel_for_humans@piefed.socialEnglish
          0·
          4 days ago

          As a Linux noob I like your oneliner but I agree with @solxix@pawb.social

          A more approachable way to do that would be to use wget and then manually run apt install with the downloaded file. That’s what I’ve been doing. :) Yours is “magic” ;)

  • mystic-macaroni@lemmy.ml
    0·
    5 days ago

    I had a harder time setting up a brother printer on my dad’s computer running windows than I did on my mom’s running Mint

  • StrawberryPigtails@discuss.tchncs.de
    0·
    5 days ago

    Brother Printers have a well deserved reputation. They work. You will probably need their proprietary drivers (which you can get from their website), but after that they just work.

    I know they make a .deb available, but I think there’s also a .rpm if you’re repping Redhat land.

    • queerlilhayseed@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      0·
      4 days ago

      I’ve never had this particular model, but I’ve had pretty good success printing off Brother printers with the generic print drivers, I don’t think I’ve used the proprietary downloads in a while.

      Of note: I don’t have occasion to do scans all that often, so I can’t say if that works. Ditto the fax function, if that’s important all I can say is you have my pity. But I’ve used the print function to good success on a couple different machines.

      Still I’d recommend testing it before committing to permanent changes, if possible. Printers are mysterious and capricious.

    • buckykat [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
      0·
      5 days ago

      You probably won’t need their proprietary drivers, it’ll probably just autodetect and work with CUPS without even setting it up, like my Brother DCP-L2540DW does.

      • cmnybo@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
        0·
        5 days ago

        The monochrome and newer color Brother printers usually work fine without installing any drivers. If it supports IPP Everywhere, it will definitely work fine. It’s the older color printers that usually need the proprietary driver for full support.