Bits and Dots : Tips

Video: Use SNMP to Query Select Device Settings

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 02:59:00 GMT

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is used in many network appliances like switches, routers, printers, IP console KVMs, etc. While most network administrators would be directed to use tools like HP Web Jetadmin to do the work for them, for various reasons some administrators may prefer to query devices directly. I put together this simple video to show how you can use a simple tool like Net-SNMP to walk the list of OIDs, hunt for a particular value to find its corresponding OID to use in specific SNMP get queries admins may choose to build into their own scripts, programs etc ...

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WJA: New Training Videos Online for HP Web Jetadmin 10

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 21:12:00 GMT

The HP Web Jetadmin team has put together an amazing series of training videos that are beyond fantastic. I'm really happy to recommend this to customers of all sizes and types who would like a quick crash course in familiarizing themselves with the software or even to use it as a refresher. Many customers use HP Web Jetadmin for some, but not all functionality. Perhaps these videos are useful even to seasoned veterens with WJA interested in using features they may not have even known were available. This may be especially true as security topics continue to interest customers wishing to proactively manage their printing and imaging assets.

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Video Tutorial: Importing and Exporting Data with HP Web Jetadmin

Brian R. Kneebone — Sun, 26 Apr 2009 11:40:00 GMT

It's been well over a month since I've posted an update on this portal, so I figured it was time for another video tutorial. This question has come up a couple of times with my various customers around importing and exporing data. This is usually around using asset management fields like exporting a list of serial numbers to compare against an asset management system or even importing tags into HP Web Jetadmin to either help for device identification with helpdesk and/or incorporate into reports......(read more)

TIP: Determining the Manual Proxy for use within HP Web Jetadmin

Brian R. Kneebone — Thu, 19 Feb 2009 08:00:00 GMT

HP Web Jetadmin has the ability to reach out to the HP website for several different reasons including downloading the latest firmware updates, getting troubleshooting information for particular devices, etc. To do so, activate HTTP downloads under the "Tools" -> "Options" menu. If your organization uses a proxy server, HP Web Jetadmin is compatible with most, but not all. Also, it requires the entry of a manual proxy address (automatic proxies are not supported at this time). So what do you do if your organization has an automatic proxy server? Read the rest of this article to learn more ......(read more)

Webcast: Imaging and Printing Security Best Practices

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 20:45:00 GMT

Learn more about what you can do to proactively protect your organization's imaging and printing interersts at this HP webcast. Attendees registering from the US or Canada will be entered for a chance to win an HP OfficeJet J6480 AiO wireless printer......(read more)

Video Tutorial: Exploring Embedded Send-to-Folder

Brian R. Kneebone — Thu, 23 Oct 2008 02:15:00 GMT

This is a continuation of the earlier "Exploring Embedded Send-to-Email" video tutorial contained in another 30-minute session focused on sending documents directly to a folder. Four examples are covered from common shared folders, to folders which are personal and published in Active Directory......(read more)

Video Tutorial: Exploring Embedded Send-to-Email

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 22 Oct 2008 11:54:00 GMT

This is a relatively in-depth exploration of how the user experience at the control panel for "Send-to-Email" is enabled and controlled by administrators by using settings in the device's embedded web server. This is my first crack at exploring document capture to folks online using this blog with a 30-minute video, so let me know what you think......(read more)

Keeping a Microsoft printing environment up-to-date

Brent Follett — Tue, 21 Oct 2008 23:17:00 GMT

Before I get to the main content of this post, I wanted to first introduce myself as this is my first post here on the Bits and Dots web log. My name is Brent Follett, and I work here at HP as a consultant in the printing and imaging space. Brian invited...(read more)

Video Tutorial: Automating Supplies Groups in HP Web Jetadmin 10

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 05:57:00 GMT

Posted by: Brian R. Kneebone Technology Consultant, Imaging and Printing Group This is just a quick video tutorial which illustrates how administrators can automate supplies groups which are built into HP Web Jetadmin 10 (a new feature when version 10...(read more)

Video Tutorial: Exporting Devices from HP Web Jetadmin

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 02:24:00 GMT

Posted by: Brian R. Kneebone Technology Consultant, Imaging and Printing Group It's been a while since my last post and I have to say I'm sorry. I've been quite busy with customer related projects but it's been a relatively slow month...(read more)

Video Tutorial: Installation Options for the HP Universal Print Driver and Basic Walkthrough

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:44:00 GMT

Before we finish off the series around color access control, I wanted to prime administrators on how easy it is to install the HP Universal Print Driver using a number of different options at their disposal. This video tutorial provides a brief walk-through on the installation options which are available using the installer as well as standard installation methods. It also covers basic usability differences between the driver in its native “Traditional Mode” and optional “Dynamic Mode”.

Installation Options for the
HP Universal Print Driver
and Basic Walkthrough

Click Here to launch the video

Please note that clicking the link above will
redirect you towards my personal website
(a non-HP website) where the video I have
created is hosted.

So in summary, there are some very powerful features in the HP Universal Print Driver. Be sure to take a look at the Reviewers/Evaluator’s Guide. It’s an excellent overview of all of the high-level benefits and features.

Now that we’ve explored how it can be installed, the next topic will cover how default features can be controlled through our policy management tools like the Managed Print Administration control panel and Active Directory Templates. This will give administrators a nice overview of all of the different color control options available for them. Look for this coming soon.

PS – let me know through comments if you like this video tutorial. I’m using a new capture tool which is much more flexible (and easier to capture demonstrations from Microsoft Terminal Server (RDP) and Citrix Presentation server (ICA) sessions. Do you like the new full-screen features? Is the quality and streaming adequate? Could the narrator have a nicer voice? Some of these things I can do a lot about, others may be more challenging.

Tip for Administrators: Printing and Scanning in Windows Terminal Server and Citrix Environments

Brian R. Kneebone — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 00:01:00 GMT

I wanted to share some imaging and printing resources in Windows Terminal Server (WTS) and Citrix environments. HP and its partner community have a number of helpful resources which can be useful for those new to administering these shared server computing architectures.

If you take a look at anything, bookmark the “HP printers supported in Citrix Presentation Server environments” whitepaper. This is an amazing document which is published regularly (usually 2 to 4 times a year). The document covers the types of devices supported, versions of the OS, middleware and drivers supported, etc. The title would seem to indicate support for print only (which is the primary focus), but topics also cover twain redirection for scanners and all-in-one devices as well. A URL at the end of the document invites customers to participate by providing feedback. The format is quite easily used for administrators who are new to managing printing assets in a shared server computing environment. Seasoned administrators will likely appreciate the consolidated list of open and resolved issues.

For those comfortable with WTS and Citrix environments and have an optimal infrastructure which is relatively well managed, consider moving to the next step by optimizing workflow:

Consider ThinPrint Solutions to compress and optimize print streams. This can be especially important for location with low bandwidth to remote sites (dial-up, 56K frame relay, ISDN, low-bandwidth DSL, etc.)
Sometimes prints need to be sent to users behind other firewalls outside of the corporate environment where redirecting the print stream through the RDP or ICA session is not desirable. While the Internet Printing Protocol (IPP) can help, frankly customers demand more security-wise from their devices. Often we see customers choosing solutions like Capella’s SD-Express which looks and feels like normal print, but is transparently encrypted, transmitted using SMTP and decrypted in-printer and can even confirm prints through SMTP messages.
Inevitably scanning becomes a consideration where TWAIN redirection may be helpful, but a more locked-down workflow oriented solution is preferred. Technology partners like Omtool with their AccuRoute platform can help and fully support these shared server computing environments. These solutions make for ideal capture platforms when working with shared multifunction printers and Digital Senders.
For environments where job tracking becomes a consideration (whether that’s billing back departments or simply used as an audit mechanism for security practices) we have a number of solution partners which can help. This includes embedding tracking agents in print servers or the client sessions. For simplicity in these environments it is usually best to embed an agent at the device using technology such as Capella MegaTrack In Printer Agent (MIPA) or other tracking solution partners.
Take a look at the devices hosting the RDP or ICA sessions themselves. HP has a number of low-cost devices including Windows XP/Vista desktops, laptops and thin client terminals. The most recent offering is a thin client laptop called the HP Compaq 6720t Mobile Thin Client.

Handy Tool for Network Administrators

Brian R. Kneebone — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:51:00 GMT

I have to share this, even though it’s not imaging and printing specific. Mini notebooks are back. If you are a network technician or IT administrator, take note of the HP 2133 Mini-Note PC series. Most of us know from experience when you are travelling from IT asset to asset, that it’s not always practical to bring a standard notebook. Having access to your own toolkit on the go (especially a tiny one) is important – saving those few minutes (or even seconds) is important. Of course, in most cases you can do everything you need remotely from HP Web Jetadmin including rebooting printers and MFPs and pushing settings.

Colour Control Options (Part 2) - Embedded Controls

Brian R. Kneebone — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 11:38:00 GMT

Well, it’s been a while since my last post, so I thought I’d do something special. I wanted to make a “Part 2” to the Colour Control Options I discussed earlier. It covered some high-level topics, but I didn’t go into any depth showing them in action. This article casts a very bright light on just what can be done with embedded Color Access Controls under the “Settings” -> “Restrict Color” menu in the device’s embedded web server.

Alternate colour control methods become increasingly important for administrators who wish to manage colour access especially where centralized print queues (on print servers) are being retired.

Using Embedded Color Access
Controls for Modern HP Color
LaserJet and Edgeline Devices

Click Here to launch the video

Please note that clicking the link above will
redirect you towards my personal website
(a non-HP website) where the video I have
created is hosted.

So which devices support embedded “Color Access Controls”?

Okay, before we get started, I’m Canadian and you’ll notice I normally spell “Colour” with an extra vowel (except when it’s being used to refer to a brand name or trademark or technology). My spelling can be terrible at times, but this one is on purpose.

Generally “Color Access Controls” (CAC’s) are available in Commercial Color LaserJet devices launched in fall 2004 and later. Note that some of these products will require a firmware update.

HP Color LaserJet 3000 Printer Series
HP Color LaserJet 3800 Printer Series
HP Color LaserJet CP3505 Printer Series
HP Color LaserJet 4700 Printer Series
HP Color LaserJet 5550 Printer Series
HP Color LaserJet 4730mfp Series
HP Color LaserJet CM4730mfp Series
HP Color LaserJet 9500mfp Series
HP Color Multifunction CM8050 MFP with Edgeline Technology Series *
HP Color Multifunction CM8060 MFP with Edgeline Technology Series *

* Note that the HP EdgeLine devices support the ability to enumerate groups (not just users) because of advanced features built into its embedded companion that don’t exist on LaserJet and Color LaserJet devices. The colour controls look a little different as a result in the embedded web server including the ability to differentiate between the two major colour modes, but conceptually are the same.

So which devices support the older Access Control Lists?

If embedded Color Access Controls aren’t available for your older device or if sticking with ACL’s is more practical in your environment, that option is still available of course. Generally any device with a commercial JetDirect solution which is a JetDirect 610n or higher, USB connected 300-series or full-feature embedded JetDirect supports an access control list. This at least limits traffic to/from a specific IP/Mask combo (print server for example) where controls are managed at the print queue.

What is this driver pre-configuration software to lock in features?

So I made a brief mention about “Driver Pre-configuration Software”. This software lets administrators modify most modern commercial printer drivers. There are features which allow administrators to define defaults and even go so far as to lock in features (including B/W printing only, duplex only, etc).

Modifying the driver does break the WHQL signature since a configuration file is being modified. This is expected. But if all you need is the B/W version of the driver only for a color device, it’s usually posted on the support portal for your product.

There are other tools from HP that might be available. As they become public, I’ll do my best to share them here.

What next?

So this is the world of embedded controls, next I hope to show people the world of our “2^nd Generation Color Access Controls” used in the HP Universal Print Driver. This is fantastic stuff which can be manipulated through either an IIS based web-service or Active Directory using ADM templates (with group policy objects). So look forward to a “Colour Control Options (Part 3) – Universal Print Driver Controls”. I’ll cover the GPMC from Microsoft as wells as a few other goodies for those new to GPO management (this will be new for a lot of print administrators, although something many domain administrators have been comfortable with for some time). Coming soon...

Tip for New Printing Administrators: Printing Defaults

Brian R. Kneebone — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 11:51:00 GMT

Have you ever been asked to define new printing defaults for end users? I've put together a video tutorial targeted for new printing administrators. And for that matter existing print administrators who have only recently looked at applying settings by default.

Speaking personally, I know that I had to discover some of this (earlier in my career) by trial-and-error and got some bruises along the way. My hope here is that I can share out what I've learned and let administrators make their own decisions about how best to proceed in their organization.

Rather than go into a full on discussion here in email, take a peek at the video tutorial below:

Tip for New Printing Administrators:
Setting Printing Defaults

Click Here to launch the video

Please note that clicking the link above will
redirect you towards my personal website
(a non-HP website) where the video I have
created is hosted.

In summary, printing defaults can be defined at the hardware level or the driver level. Drivers trump hardware settings (except when using advanced Color Access Controls for select colour devices which we'll explore in some future post). Also, printing defaults (when properly defined in "Advanced" -> "Printing Defaults..." are used by clients who point-and-print-connect the first time or have existing connections where the end-user has not saved any permanent defaults themselves in their Printers folder.

Next we'll take a look at driver deployment and preconfiguration utilities HP like HP Web Jetadmin as well as tools like the Microsoft Print Management Console in a future series.