Leopard builds test HP driver delivery
updated 08:10 pm EDT, Wed September 26, 2007
Leopard builds HP/SU
Apple is using the latest builds of Mac OS X 10.5 (Leopard) to test delivery of printer drivers through the Software Update mechanism, based on information provided to MacNN by an HP representative; Apple is asking developers to test the delivery of HP drivers through Software Update. If developers are using HP printers, Apple asks that they deselect the HP-specific printer drivers from the Mac OS X 10.5 Installer, instead opting to install the drivers by running Software Update after the installation of Leopard is complete. This despite the fact that both the drivers on the Leopard DVD and those available through Software Update are identical.
In the release notes for Leopard build 9A559, Apple instructed developers to use the Software Update routine, listing the guidance as an "issue." An HP representative told us:
"Although listed in Apple’s last developer Leopard Seed Note as an 'Issue', the recommendation to use Apple’s software update process to install the HP driver set for the Leopard developer seed is actually a test scenario, not a driver problem or bug issue.
"HP has a large market share with Apple customers and is very pleased that Apple has chosen HP drivers and software to test with the latest Leopard developer seed and software update process. Please note that the HP driver set in the latest Leopard seed and from the software update process is the exact same HP software code and driver bundle, no difference, and should work great with this latest Leopard seed. It should also be noted that if there are no existing HP printer queues or HP printers connected to the Mac via USB, then software updates will not download or add any HP printer drivers."
A Better Idea
09/26, 08:47pm reply
How about releasing Leopard when it is actually ready?
zenwave
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Feb 2004
A bester idea...
09/26, 09:52pm reply
How about not loading drivers for printers one doesn't have?
Eriamjh
Addicted to MacNN
Joined: Oct 2001
@Eriamjh
09/27, 09:10am reply
I second that idea_
Even when I deselect printer drivers and Language files during install they are always still loaded when the system cranks up after install_
Then I spend some time going thru and trashing Printer drivers for printers i don't have and some I'll never buy_
And I kill all of the language files as well)
This usually cleans up 600MBs to about 2GBs of free space_
Pain in the ass_
UberFu
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2002
This should be a
09/27, 12:27pm reply
task initiated by setting up a printer in Print Center. If you hit a printer that does not have drivers locally, or the drivers are older than is currently available, then check if the user wants to get them.
If you are printing to a windows print server, then get the drivers from the print server if they are available, else, get them from the net.
Of course the print server administrators would have to load the drivers onto the print server, but hey! That's their job. :|
Same goes for Mac print servers. Provide the drivers for Windows machines as well. I'm not sure Apple OS X servers can/have this functionality to begin with, but if not,..
Flying Meat
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2007
HP
09/28, 03:59pm reply
HP probably shouldn't be commenting on Leopard seeds.
sdf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2004
Points
09/30, 09:21am reply
Zenware:
Perhaps you fail to understand the meaning of "build." Apple is testing the OS before it is released to fix any problems.
Eriamjh:
Perhaps you didn't read what the HP representative said: if you already have the driver installed, it will not reinstall the driver. Apple is merely testing the delivery system.
uberfu:
Good points, I do the same.
sdf:
You are correct, HP is violating its NDA with Apple. However, in its defense, somebody else violated the agreement by talking about HP's drivers being tested. HP is just making sure people do not get the impression its drivers are faulted.
Terrin
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Already had that idea...
10/05, 12:09pm reply
Eriamjh...last line of the article:
"It should also be noted that if there are no existing HP printer queues or HP printers connected to the Mac via USB, then software updates will not download or *add* any HP printer drivers."
akulavolk
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Oct 2007
So How Come???
11/16, 10:55am reply
My HP Printer DOESN'T Work! I have to use the Gutenprint version of the driver to have BASIC print functionality. That's Pathetic. I hope HP will release updated drivers to Apple soon, or off them as an update on their website.
webraider
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004