The print servers in JFI have a long and motley history. There was once treekiller. Then there was hatchet. And axe. Then treekiller went away. Then axe went away and treekiller came back. Hatchet went through several incarnations.

Finally, they were all replaced by one virtual server named 'read-the-fine-print'.

Indeed, the actual Cups software that the print servers (all of them) have always run has had a long convoluted history as well. A few years ago, the legal rights to the program were bought out by Apple, and it is now supported as an Apple product. (The Cups software is also included as part of the Mac operating system.)

Among other functions, the print server handles documents sent to the three public printers in the GCIS E124 MRSEC Lab, also known as the "Fishbowl." In the past, it has been possible to print to these printers directly as well, but soon there will be an accounting system set in place that will charge for usage, and when that happens, the only documents the printers will accept will be ones that came through read-the-fine-print. Read-the-fine-print will be running the Pykota printer accounting software, which will tabulate the usage and allow for periodic billing. Currently, this whole chargeback system is still an experiment in progress, as the department has never done this before, and there are numerous implementation hurdles.

For information on how to setup your computer to print through read-the-fine-print (necessary for printing in the Fishbowl), please see our Frequently Asked Questions section.