Quick Start Guide - Phase I - Installation

This quick start guide covers the initial installation and configuration of PaperCut ChargeBack in your network environment. Initial installation takes only a few minutes on a currently configured server. This guide will walk you through installation and configuration step-by-step over two phases. The process is summarized below:

  1. System requirements check

  2. Downloading and installing PaperCut ChargeBack

  3. Completing the configuration wizard

  4. Testing client software

  5. Testing printing and remote access

PaperCut ChargeBack is a cross-platform solution and the installation procedure will vary depending on the target operating system. Please jump to the appropriate section below:

For additional information on setting up the optional Internet Control module see Chapter 13, Net Control in Detail.

Installation on Windows

Important

This guide assumes that you are using Windows Server 2003. The process is similar for other Windows operating systems. Separate documentation exists for Linux (see the section called “Installation on Linux”) and Mac (see the section called “Installation on Apple Mac”).

If you're upgrading from a previous PaperCut ChargeBack version, please refer to the directions outlined in Appendix F, Upgrading From a Previous Version.

Step 1 - System Requirements

Before installing PaperCut ChargeBack for either evaluation or production use, the system administrator should take a few minutes to verify system requirements.

Is the operating system version supported and patches up-to-date? Take a few minutes to verify the system is current and supported (see the section called “System Requirements”).

In workgroup environments (i.e. where no domain is present), some additional configuration may be required. For more details see Chapter 21, Running in a Workgroup Environment.

Are printer(s) installed and hosted on this system? PaperCut ChargeBack needs to be installed on the system directly hosting the printer(s). The printer should be installed as a "Local Printer" with a connection method such as TCP/IP Port, LPR, or JetDirect or directly connected to the system via USB or LPT Port.

In a multi-user environment, printers are often shared with other network users. Other workstations should connect to these printers as "Network Printers". Ensure workstations are configured to print to the shared print queues. For example a Windows workstation may connect to a printer via a path like: \\[samba_server]\[printer].

Ensure that printers are configured correctly and work before installing PaperCut ChargeBack.

Network printer configuration

Figure 1.5. Network printer configuration

Important

If you are running the PaperCut ChargeBack server on Windows XP (Professional) you must disable "Simple file sharing". For more information please see Appendix B, Troubleshooting & Technical FAQ's.

If you are running a Windows workgroup network or using Windows XP/Vista Home workstations, please see Chapter 21, Running in a Workgroup Environment.

Step 2 - Print queue configuration

When using release stations or account selection popups it is recommended to secure the print queue so that users do not have permission to pause/resume documents in the queue. This allows PaperCut ChargeBack to have full control of documents without interference from users. To do this:

  1. Log onto the server hosting the printers as an Administrator.

  2. Open the printer configuration screen: StartPrinters

  3. Right-click a printer and select Properties.

  4. Select the Security tab.

  5. Select the CREATOR OWNER user and uncheck the Manage Documents permission. See Figure 1.6, “Configuring Windows print queue permissions”

  6. Press the OK button.

  7. Perform these steps for each of the monitored printers.

Configuring Windows print queue permissions

Figure 1.6. Configuring Windows print queue permissions

Step 3 - Download and install

PaperCut ChargeBack is supplied as a standard Windows setup.exe install program. The latest version may be downloaded from http://www.papercut.com/. After the download is complete, run the setup wizard as an administrator level user. A system restart is usually not required but administrators are advised to perform installation on live production systems during periods of low activity - for example, not during backup operations or other administration activities.

Setup wizard

Figure 1.7. Setup wizard

Select the "standard install" option and install PaperCut ChargeBack onto a hard drive with adequate free disk space. The default options will suffice for most systems. After the installation is complete, a web browser will open to complete final configuration. Please proceed to Phase II (the section called “Quick Start Guide - Phase II - Configuration and Testing”).

Installation on Apple Mac

Important

This guide assumes that you are installing on Mac OSX (either server or workstation) hosting and sharing printers. This guide will refer to this system as the 'server'. This represents the role of the system rather than the 'edition' of the operating system. PaperCut ChargeBack equally supports both the server and workstation versions of Mac OS. If you're upgrading from a previous PaperCut ChargeBack version please refer to the directions outlined in Appendix F, Upgrading From a Previous Version.

The following section assumes the reader has knowledge of general Mac OS X server management. Although the installation process is graphical, it would be an advantage to have knowledge of the command-line, creating users, editing configuration files and an understanding file permissions.

Step 1 - System Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation the system administrator should take a few moments to verify system requirements. Is the operating system version supported and are patches up-to-date? Take a few minutes to verify the system is current and supported (see the section called “System Requirements”). A system prerequisite is Java version 5.0 or higher. If your Tiger or Leopard server is fully patched, this requirement will be satisfied.

Step 2 - Print Queue Setup

Most small to medium Mac networks will have their workstations configured to print directly to the physical printers. This method of printing is not supported by PaperCut ChargeBack and instead administrators will need to set up global server hosted print queues. Some administrators will be familiar with server queues, while others will need to invest some time into understanding Mac printing in more detail. The topic of Mac printing is complex and is hence deserves its own chapter! Please read the first section of Chapter 20, Mac Printing in Detail and ensure your organization's printers are set up as required.

Administrators should ensure that the server based print queues are set up and working as expected before attempting to install PaperCut ChargeBack.

Step 3 - Creating the host user account (optional)

PaperCut ChargeBack runs under a non-privileged user account called papercut. This invisible system account is created automatically upon first install. Advanced system administrators may however have a preference to create this account manually. If you fall into this category, create the papercut account now prior to installation.

Step 4 - Download and install

PaperCut ChargeBack is supplied as a standard disk image containing the installer. Log on as an admin level account. Download and double-click Mac installer. Double-click on the installer package named PaperCut ChargeBack Standard Installation.pkg. Follow the directions on the screen. The installation process will take between two and five minutes depending on the speed of the system. A system restart is usually not required but administrators are advised to perform installation on live production systems during periods of low activity - for example, not during backup operations or other administration activities.

The default install location is /Applications/PaperCut ChargeBack

Important

Make sure you're installing the correct package. The similarly named PaperCut ChargeBack Secondary Server Installation.pkg only installs part of the application and is designed for more advanced networks.

The Mac installer

Figure 1.8. The Mac installer

After the installation is complete, a web browser will open to complete final configuration. Please proceed to Phase II (the section called “Quick Start Guide - Phase II - Configuration and Testing”).

Installation on Linux

Important

The following section assumes the reader has knowledge of general Unix/Linux system management including using the command-line, creating users, editing configuration files and understanding file permissions.

Step 1 - System Requirements

Before proceeding with the installation the system administrator should take a few moments to verify system requirements. Is the operating system version supported and are patches up-to-date? Take a few minutes to verify the system is current and supported (see the section called “System Requirements”).

Are printer(s) installed and hosted on this system and are they exposed to the network either via CUPS or Samba? Administrators should ensure that the print queues are set up and working as expected before attempting to install PaperCut ChargeBack.

In a multi-user environment, printers are often shared with other network users. Other workstations should connect to these printers as "Network Printers". Ensure workstations are configured to print to the shared print queues. For example a Windows workstation may connect to a samba exposed printer via \\[samba_server]\[printer]. Other Linux or Mac workstations will use IPP via CUPS.

If the printers are currently not installed and configured, this task should be performed and verified before proceeding further.

Step 2 - Creating the host user account

PaperCut ChargeBack runs and installs under a non-privileged user account called "papercut". The installation location for the application is the papercut user's home directory. Create a user account on this system called papercut. This is usually done by logging in as root and at the command prompt entering:

        shell> useradd -d /home/papercut papercut
                    

The syntax for useradd and groupadd may differ slightly on different versions of Linux. They may also be called adduser and addgroup.

The user's home directory (the -d option) denotes the install location. /home/papercut is the recommended location. Administrators may however also consider alternate install locations depending on personal preference. Alternates including:

  • /usr/local/papercut

  • /opt/papercut

Important

This quick start guide assumes the install location is /home/papercut. If an alternate home location is defined, some of the paths listed in subsequent sections will require modification.

Step 3 - Download and installing

PaperCut ChargeBack is supplied as a self-extracting and self-installing archive. The installation is done under the rights of the newly created papercut and temporary root access will be required. Please have the root password handy. (Administrators who are after a detailed explination of the install process should also consult the background information in Chapter 18, PaperCut ChargeBack on Linux).

Log on as the newly created papercut user and download and execute the installer:

        shell> su - papercut
        shell> wget [download url from PaperCut Software website]
        shell> sh ./pcng-setup-linux-i686.sh
                    

Follow the installation instructions and enter the root password when requested.

Important

Ensure you login as the user papercut so that the user's environment is sourced so the home directory (install location) is correctly defined.

The Linux install process

Figure 1.9. The Linux install process

The installation process will take between two and five minutes depending on the speed of the system. A system restart is usually not required but administrators are advised to perform installation on live production systems during periods of low activity - for example, not during backup operations or other administration activities.

After the installation is complete, you will need open a web browser to complete final configuration. Please proceed to Phase II (the section called “Quick Start Guide - Phase II - Configuration and Testing”).