Printing to a remote CUPS printer

Question

Dear All,
I have a remote Linux server (Ubuntu 11.10 64 bit) running CUPS 1.50. A All-in-one HP printer (Officejet Pro L7300) is connected to the Linux box through an USB port. I have enabled dnssd (Bonjour) sharing in the cups server and my iMac (Snow Leopard) discoveres it correctly and prints flawlessly.
The problem is with printoptions. When I select the print quality say High-Color or Draft-Grayscale from any Mac applications say Preview or Openoofice, it prints only with the default options set in the CUPS server.
However, I can choose the print quality from any other Linux host printing via CUPS on the same printer. Only from the iMac, I can not choose the print quality (or printout mode). Somehow it prints only with the default options.
To save ink and paper, I many a time choose only draft-grayscale. However, I end up printing with Normal-color quality which is the printer default in the server. It's frustrating to reset the printer default everytime I print by going to the CUPS server's web intrerface and resetting the new defaults.
I have also tried adding the same printer through CUPS protocol and dnssd protocol in my iMac but to no avail.
Please help.
--- Madhurjya

Answer 1

I have a similar problem trying to network two Macs and a PC for printer and file sharing. I too have the nagging feeling that there's one simple setting somewhere that would cure the problem. I posted a query a week ago (4/21) and got a response from iFelix who directed me to web pages he's posted with step-by-step instructions on setting up Macs and PCs for printer and file sharing:
Sharing files between an XP PC and a Mac running OS 10.4.x
http://tech.ifelix.net/3020.html
Printing to a printer on a XP PC from a Mac running 10.4.x
http://tech.ifelix.net/3015.html
Printing to a printer on a Mac from a PC running Windows XP
http://tech.ifelix.net/3000.html
The instructions didn't solve my problem but perhaps they will yours.