cups :: network printing

to use cups just start the cups deamon. then point your browser to localhost:631 . there you can add your printers to cups. most printers need special drivers, that need to be installed:

*  net-print/hpijs
      Homepage:    http://hpinkjet.sourceforge.net/
      Description: The HP Inkjet server for Ghostscript. Provides best output for 
                   HP Inkjet Printers and some LaserJets
      License:     BSD

*  net-print/hpoj
      Homepage:    http://hpoj.sourceforge.net/
      Description: HP OfficeJet Linux driver
      License:     GPL-2

*  net-print/pup
      Homepage:    http://pup.sourceforge.net/
      Description: Printer Utility Program, setup & maintenance for certain 
                   Lexmark & HP printers
      License:     GPL-2

but the most important parts are:

*  net-print/foomatic
      Homepage:    http://www.linuxprinting.org/foomatic.html
      Description: The Foomatic printing meta package
      License:     GPL-2

*  net-print/foomatic-db
      Homepage:    http://www.linuxprinting.org/foomatic
      Description: Foomatic printer database
      License:     GPL-2

*  net-print/foomatic-db-engine
      Homepage:    http://www.linuxprinting.org/foomatic
      Description: Foomatic printer database engine
      License:     GPL-2

*  net-print/foomatic-filters
      Homepage:    http://www.linuxprinting.org/foomatic
      Description: Foomatic wrapper scripts
      License:     GPL-2

With these installed all printers should be usable.