When I was installing my HP 710c printer using gentoo-sources-2.6.17-r4, I had to enable: CONFIG_PARPORT_1284 IEEE 1284 (Device Drivers ---> Parallel port support ---> [*] IEEE 1284 transfer modes) to allow the kernel to detect my printer. Without this enabled I do _not_ see this in dmesg: parport0: Printer, HEWLETT-PACKARD DESKJET 710C and cannot print to the printer. A note about this in the guide would be most helpful, especially if I ever have to re-build my kernel after loosing a kernel config file! short emerge info: Portage 2.1-r2 (default-linux/amd64/2006.0, gcc-3.4.6, glibc-2.3.6-r4, 2.6.17-gentoo-r4 x86_64) For your info, here are the specs of my printer: http://shopping.msn.com/specs/shp/?itemId=24972550 note "Connections 1 x parallel - IEEE 1284 (EPP/ECP) - 36 pin Centronics"
Confirmed; my printer takes parallel and USB inputs (an HP, coincidentally, though this is not brand-specific) and 1284 transfer is necessary. Fixed in CVS, thanks for reporting. (note: the <note> following the kernel config already told users they may need to add additional options, but this specific 1284 reference hopefully prevents them from hurting themselves even more; it's more of an obvious helpful reference).
