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.

  • monkeyman512@lemmy.worldEnglish
    17·
    5 days ago

    I just googled that model number and “Linux support”. The first result was the Brother website for driver downloads, which does include packages for linux.

    • Anivia@feddit.org
      3·
      4 days ago

      They are already included in the kernel, no installation needed. Every Brother printer made in the last two decades is plug and play on Linux.

  • molten_boron@sh.itjust.works
    11·
    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.

  • mystic-macaroni@lemmy.ml
    14·
    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

  • azimir@lemmy.ml
    5·
    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
      2·
      20 hours 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
    4·
    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.

  • pinball_wizard@lemmy.zip
    5·
    4 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.

  • davel@lemmy.mlEnglish
    5·
    5 days ago

    The most reliable way to know is to run Mint on a USB stick and try it.

  • NutWrench@lemmy.mlEnglish
    2·
    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.