Gutenprint - Was This Legitime Software?

[Iklatenk]

I'd like to ask about another thing to be on safe side.

I tried to get old printer from Windows to work with Mac, but it lacked drivers. I downloaded Gutenprint, tested it, got it print one page, then printer got weird - the on/off button refused to be shut off and to get unresponsive printer to shut down, I had to unplug power cable.
After putting cable back, printer was fine again, but trying to print again, caused the same issue - power button burns, pushing it has no effect and only way to shut printer down was to remove the cable.

I removed Gutenprint and good riddance, I have another (though black and white) printer for Mac anyways.

But due to printer acting so weird, I am tiny bit of worry if it was legitimate software. I have habit of making screenshots and I have these left from that time - can someone please take a look and tell me if this looks like legitimate software.


Site I used:

Then Canon printer said something about wrong or mistake made during installation and wanted to do changes.

I then downloaded uninstaller

As I installed it twice, I also removed it twice.

I just want to know if this looks like legitimate software and it did not leave behind anything bad or cause damage? I hope it was just my printer not accepting what is wide known software, but it worries me.

At this point, I regret at all trying to get the old printer working and downloading this software.
Malwarebytes hasn't found anything so that's some consolation.

 

[DeltaMac]

Yes, gutenprint is legitimate (and good) software. As you may notice, it is also known as gimp-print (an older name for the same software.)
Apple actually used to provide some of the gutenprint drivers with the other printer drivers that they included with the system.
I see no real problem in leaving Gutenprint in place - and you can reset the printing software (removing all active printer setups used by the system) in the Printers & Scanners pref pane, simply by right-clicking in the printer list, and choosing "Reset Printing System". It clears that list out completely. That usually will clear out weird things that happen with printers, too. Then you just re-add the ones that you need to use.

And, as you have also discovered, Gutenprint doesn't always help with every printer.
I see in their documentation that the MP160 driver is marked as "experimental"
Another method that you could use, if you really need to use your old Canon, would be to install Windows on your Mac (through the Boot Camp assistant) and boot to Windows when you need to print that Canon.
I bet you can use that printer just fine in Windows 10.
I wouldn't do that, either, unless I needed Windows for other reasons.

 

[Iklatenk]

Yes, gutenprint is legitimate (and good) software. As you may notice, it is also known as gimp-print (an older name for the same software.)
Apple actually used to provide some of the gutenprint drivers with the other printer drivers that they included with the system.
I see no real problem in leaving Gutenprint in place - and you can reset the printing software (removing all active printer setups used by the system) in the Printers & Scanners pref pane, simply by right-clicking in the printer list, and choosing "Reset Printing System". It clears that list out completely. That usually will clear out weird things that happen with printers, too. Then you just re-add the ones that you need to use.

And, as you have also discovered, Gutenprint doesn't always help with every printer.
I see in their documentation that the MP160 driver is marked as "experimental"
Another method that you could use, if you really need to use your old Canon, would be to install Windows on your Mac (through the Boot Camp assistant) and boot to Windows when you need to print that Canon.
I bet you can use that printer just fine in Windows 10.
I wouldn't do that, either, unless I needed Windows for other reasons.

So the links on screenshots are legitimate? I compared them with what I found in one forum's recommendations, but then got all nervous - what if I still happened to malicious site. Got that feeling when my printer acted so weird... Well, if it was just software not functioning well.

That IS an idea I did not consider... but You are right, I rather not stuff unstable Windows in my so safe Mac.

 

[Cheryl]

I had used GutenPrint long time ago when I was using a really old laser printer. It work for years - until I had to replace that old printer. Your screen shots of when you first opened the download are normal. The system on your Mac is just telling you that the app you are opening is from a third party. When you install most programs, the system will ask for your password. That is a security setting within the system that you are giving permission to install that program.

Occasionally, you may need to remove the printer from your Printer panel (in System Preferences) and start fresh. I use to think it is because of the older printer having a tantrum. Once you redo the printer list, it works smoothly.

 

[Iklatenk]

I had used GutenPrint long time ago when I was using a really old laser printer. It work for years - until I had to replace that old printer. Your screen shots of when you first opened the download are normal. The system on your Mac is just telling you that the app you are opening is from a third party. When you install most programs, the system will ask for your password. That is a security setting within the system that you are giving permission to install that program.

Occasionally, you may need to remove the printer from your Printer panel (in System Preferences) and start fresh. I use to think it is because of the older printer having a tantrum. Once you redo the printer list, it works smoothly.

Thank you! It's good to hear this is really respected software. So they look normal? The first site and sourceforge download site/windows too? I tried to look them with neutral eye, but fear of messing up made me scared.

I tried twice, installing and removing. Maybe something just doesn't click in this printer and this Mac. As long as specialists like You can confirm the download site and software look legitimate, I can take it easy.