Vendor OPSEC issue - can't install printer in Tails

Hi, I'm a vendor and use Tails. I'm happy with my OPSEC except for one problem.

I can't install my printer, which means that I need to temporarily save my address labels to USB drive, print from Windows and then delete the labels from the USB drive - rinse and repeat every day. This is poor OPSEC, as there is no way to securely remove data from USB drives. Consequently, I've been throwing out my USB drives once a week in suitably remote OPSEC approved rubbish bins. The drives cost only about $10, so I don't care about the cost - it's just a PITA.

My printer is listed in the OpenPrinting DB, so by definition, it should be able to be installed without additional software/drivers. However I've downloaded the correct PPD file and still doesn't work. I get an error: "Option 'printer-resolution' has value '(unknown IPP tag)'"

I've searched everywhere for a solution, but still joy. There's nothing helpful on the Tails subreddit either.

Has anyone come up with a solution for this?

TIA.


Comments


[5 Points] vendorthrowaway23580:

Ok the problem is solved. I'll write what worked for me as I've seen this same question asked a few times before.

Tails comes with a gazillion printer drivers, listed by make and model. My printer is not on the list (even though it is in the OpenPrinting list, so go figure).

The solution that eventually worked for me was to follow the recommended printer installation process in Applications > System Tools > Administration > Printing... but then when I get to choose from the hundreds of different printer models (which did not include mine), I just tried installing the included drivers one by one until one of them worked. I got lucky at about my 10th try. Your results may vary - I guess I found a printer driver that was similar enough to my printer that it ended up working.

EDIT: This fix only allows me to print text - which is sufficient for my purposes. There's no other functionality though like reading ink levels etc, so if anyone does have a proper solution that would be super awesome :)


[1 Points] None:

There are several links here that cover printers in Tails, good luck :-)

https://www.google.com/#q=instaliing+printer+in+tails


[1 Points] Paullrevere:

I been struggling with label printer and tails il try this as its been driving me nuts trying to work it out. Thanks