Brother MFC 5440 CN and WiFi WEP key

[Howard Coles Jr.]

On Sunday 10 September 2006 5:01 am, Peter Brook wrote:
> I am a new Kubunto user having got a little frustrated with Microsoft
> insisting that legitimate software is not correctly registered and will no
> longer get updates......  I also have persistent problems with home
> networking under windows (ADSL Hub/Wirelesss, 1 desktop LAN, 1 desktop
> wireless and 1 mobile wireless).  So I thought it was time to try Linux
> again.
>
> I have a couple of problems currently.
>
> Firstly, I have a Brother MFC 5440 CN and have been unable to find a driver
> either through System Settings/Printers/Add Printers/Wizard or through the
> Brother Solutions Centre/Downloads/Linux.  I am a little confused about LPR
> and CUPS and CUPS wrapper terminology.   Could someone explain the terms
> and outline which driver I need and any possible sources other than the
> ones I have tried?

I can help with this one because I have a Brother MFC5480 CN (has an extra 
Paper tray)
You need to go here:  http://solutions.brother.com/linux/en_us/index.html
The LPR and CUPS things are just two different print systems in Linux & UNIX.  
(BTW:  CUPS is what Macs use now apparently)
LPD - is Line Printer Daemon (LPR is part of that, and I have forgotten what 
the R stands for)
CUPS - is Common UNIX Print System
What Brother has done is created an LPD Printer Driver and a CUPS wrapper to 
use it.  So, if you're using CUPS, which you are in Kubuntu, you can manage 
your printer from there.

You will need to download both LPR and CUPS drivers for Debian (because 
Kubuntu is Debian based).  Then follow the directions on the Web site.

If your printer is connected via USB it should work right off the bat once the 
CUPS driver is installed, if you are using it on a Network you'll have to 
adjust the properties and redirect it from the USB port to the Network.  
Also, if you plan on using custom page sizes forget it.  They're not supported 
under Linux.  For some reason the losers could support it under a MAC 
(running CUPS) but not under Linux, (also running CUPS).  Go Figure.

If I had the money I'd go back and buy an Epson (or maybe a Lexmark if they've 
improved any).  They're the only ones left that work with Linux over a 
Network.  HP makes you buy a JetDirect Card for most of its printers to work 
over a network, and Brother has crippled drivers.

> Second problem is the WEP encrption (128).  WIth this switched on with the
> Hub, and with the key entered under the correct connection under Linux, I
> cannot access the internet.  With WEP encryption switched off, it works
> fine.  Should I enter the key as "45:67: etc" or "45.67. etc"  or  just as 
> plain numbers? Is there any other reason for encryption not to work?  Other
> computers under windows work wireless OK.  I am not sure if there is a
> problem identifying Network changes as it takes a long time for the
> Reloading Network dialogue to go after applying changes.
>
> Peter Brook

This part I can't remember well enough.  I'll have to dig into again.  I got 
my laptop working with WPA encryption and haven't messed with WEP in a very 
long time.

-- 
See Ya'
Howard Coles Jr.
John 3:16!

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