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Key Concepts

When trying to understand PaperCut there are several concepts that are of value to understand.

Key concepts​

  • Client/Server model:​

    • Client software is a small program that runs on each workstation and communicates with a server. The printing process on most networks works on a client/server model with clients (workstations) submitting jobs to a server. PaperCut NG/MF also uses the client/server model in the optional client software to communicate with end users.

  • Application Server:​

    • An Application Server is a server program responsible for centrally processing business logic and providing services to end users. PaperCut NG/MF uses the Application Server model to provide a business logic unit for calculating user costs and providing a web browser interface to end users.
    • A print server is a system responsible for hosting print queues and sharing printer resources to desktop clients/workstations. Users on the workstations submit print jobs to a print server rather than directly to the printer itself. A print server can be a dedicated server but on many networks this server can also perform other tasks such as file serving.
    • A print queue is first-in-first-out queue listing all jobs pending on a given printer.

  • Information Provider:​

    • A provider is a software component or program responsible for providing information to an Application Server. PaperCut NG/MF uses providers to submit print queue/job information to its Application Server. This information provider is called the Print Provider. Other important providers included with PaperCut NG/MF include user directory and authentication providers.

  • Web Print Server​

    • Web Print server is the PaperCut terminology for a server that allows laptop (wireless) users to upload Microsoft Office and PDF files to be printed on network printers from personal computers that are not authenticated to the network and do not have network printer drivers.

  • User ID/Username:​

    • In a multi-user environment, users log on to a network or computer using a username and password. These are often managed by services such as Active Directory or LDAP. The username is known as the user’s identity. PaperCut NG/MF uses this identity to track printing.

  • Shared account:​

    • A shared account is a PaperCut NG/MF term used to represent an account (pool of funds or allocation group) accessible to multiple users. Accounts usually represent “work areas” such as Departments, Faculties, Projects, Clients, Client/Matter, or Cost Centers.

  • Web interface:​

    • A web interface is a software program that interacts withusers via a web browser. Examples range from Google, Microsoft SharePoint, Hotmail, Internet banking and router management consoles. PaperCut NG/MF provides a web interface for system administration and management. Web interfaces offer administration flexibility by allowing access from any location on the network and avoid the need for installation of separate software.

  • Scripting language:​

    • A scripting language is a programming language that allows control of one or more software applications. In PaperCut NG/MF, you can use scripting to perform various administrative functions such as modifying parameters for users, shared accounts or printers. It can also be used for programmatic control during the print process to provide functionality such as print job re-direction, user notifications / warnings and confirmation for large or expensive print jobs.