Using SSCC Printers from Macs

This article will show you how to use the SSCC's network printers from your personal computer running MacOS X. Before you begin, note the Make and Model of the printer you wish to connect to, how many paper trays it has, and whether it can print on both sides of a page (duplex). You'll also need to know the printer's name on the SSCC network (see the list of printer names; SSCC login required). If you need help gathering this information, speak with the department that hosts the printer or SSCC staff.

Unfortunately, Mac OS 10.7 and above make this process much more complicated. If you are using an older version of Mac OS, skip to the instructions for Mac OS 10.6 and below.

Instructions for Mac OS 10.7 and Above

  1. If you are not plugged into the wired network in the Sewell Social Science Building, establish a VPN connection to the SSCC network.

  2. If you are using Mac OS 10.8 (Mountain Lion), open the Terminal application (found in Applications, Utilities) and type the following command:

    cupsctl WebInterface=yes

    Type in the terminal

  3. Open a web browser and type http://localhost:631 in the address bar. Click on the Administration tab, then Add Printer. If you are asked to log in, use the username and password for your computer, not your SSCC username and password.

    Click Administration, Add Printer

  4. In the Connection box you'll need to enter a string of information that tells your computer how to connect to the printer. Unfortunately it's somewhat complex and needs to be typed exactly:

    smb://primo;username:password@sscwinnt2.ads.ssc.wisc.edu/printername

    where username is your SSCC username, password is your SSCC password, and printername is the network name of the printer you're connecting to (e.g. SSCC4218). When you're done click Continue.

    Enter connection string

  5. Enter a Name for the printer (and optionally a Description and Location). Do not check the Sharing box.Then click Continue.

    Name printer

  6. Select the Make of the printer (usually Lexmark or HP) and then the Model. If the correct printer model is not available, you'll need to go to the manufacturers web site and find a driver for that particular printer.

    Select Driver

  7. Set Trays to match number of paper trays the printer has. If the printer can print on both sides of a page set Duplex to Installed. The other options can usually be ignored.

    Configure options

 

Instructions for Mac OS 10.6 and Below

  1. If you are not plugged into the wired network in the Sewell Social Science Building, you first need to establish a VPN connection to the SSCC network.
  2. Open the System Preferences by clicking the Apple icon in the upper left of the screen and choosing System Preferences
  3. Click Print & Fax
  4. Click the + button on the lower left to add a printer.
  5. If you see an Advanced button, skip to step 6. Otherwise, Control-click on the box just above More Printers, choose Customize Toolbar, drag the Advanced icon from this box onto the toolbar and click Done.Adding an Advanced button
  6. Click Advanced
  7. Change the Type of the printer to Windows
  8. Type the URL, Name and Location of the printer you want to use from the table below.
  9. Click on Please select a driver or printer model and then choose Lexmark T644
    Adding the printer
  10. Click Add.

The first time you print to the printer you'll be asked for your username and password. Set Connect as: to Registered User, for your Name type primo\ followed by your SSCC username (e.g. primo\ctefft) and give your SSCC password. If your password contains any special characters (&, @, etc.) type a backslash (\) before that character. Check Remember this password in my keychain and you won't be asked to give it again when you print in the future.

Giving your username and password

 

SSCC Network Printers

Name Location URL
SSCC4218 Room 4218 smb://sscwinnt2/sscc4218
SSCC3218 Room 3218 smb://sscwinnt2/sscc3218
SSCC2470 Room 2470 smb://sscwinnt2/sscc2470

Last Revised: 10/22/2012