How to hack Wow computer to use printer other than HP Inkjet?

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My mother (90 years old) purchased a “Wow all in one computer” from the people associated with the AARP about a year ago. This computer runs on a version of Linux. Unfortunately they have crippled the system to such an extent that it can only use an HP Inkjet printer.

How can I get the piece of junk to use a Brother back and white laser?

I have worked with the command line on Windows with the help of people telling me what to do

I have VERY LIMITED tech skills, however I can follow very detailed step by step instructions if everything is put in the proper order as if you were instructing a first time computer user. I would also have to be told how to even get to the command prompt on this computer.

My mother and I would be most appreciative if you could help us.

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Sorry to be a wet flannel but it doesn’t look possible to change from an HP to a Brother printer. Reading up on the Wow! in different forums (including Linux forums) it appears that, although the Wow!/Telikin Elite is based on an open source version of Linux (Tiny Core Linux), the closed-source custom UI is designed to prevent any access “under the bonnet” whatsoever. There’s no way to bring up a terminal nor are you able to add programs yourself (even if a package manager was available, which it isn’t).

From the Wow! tech specs, it looks like the only thing you can do is get a better HP printer – “Most recent HP printers will work with your WOW! Computer – just plug the USB cable from your printer into the WOW! Computer.”

Sorry but if people in the Linux community aren’t exchanging tips about how to customise these Wow! PC’s then I doubt that anyone on WSL is suddenly going to come up with a solution.

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Sorry to be a wet flannel but it doesn’t look possible to change from an HP to a Brother printer. Reading up on the Wow! in different forums (including Linux forums) it appears that, although the Wow!/Telikin Elite is based on an open source version of Linux (Tiny Core Linux), the closed-source custom UI is designed to prevent any access “under the bonnet” whatsoever. There’s no way to bring up a terminal nor are you able to add programs yourself (even if a package manager was available, which it isn’t).

From the Wow! tech specs, it looks like the only thing you can do is get a better HP printer – “Most recent HP printers will work with your WOW! Computer – just plug the USB cable from your printer into the WOW! Computer.”

Sorry but if people in the Linux community aren’t exchanging tips about how to customise these Wow! PC’s then I doubt that anyone on WSL is suddenly going to come up with a solution.

Rick,

Thank you very much for your research and answer.
You confirmed my worst fear that my mother is stuck with the HP InkJet. I just called AARP and they confirmed that I can’t even use an HP Laser printer.

If I can’t find someone that someone to hack this thing and get a laser printer to work I will buy her a Mothers Day present of a LG Chromebase 22CV241-W All-in-One Desktop Computer

Again thanks

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Looks to me like the WOw! was designed to prevent hacking—elderly people are especially vulnerable. You even go through their servers if I read the AV protection correctly.

I suspect you may find your 90 yo mother will not be receptive to learning a new system…and possibly not capable, just stresses her and you out. Cheaper to buy an updated HP if that is the issue IMNSHbut experiencedO. If she uses it to print photos an inkjet will work better than a laser printer, even if the cartridges are outrageously expensive.

I can understand being frustrated but making alterations in her life may be more detrimental than going along. That is for you to evaluate.

It is open source.
http://www.mywowcomputer.com/opensource.html

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Looks to me like the WOw! was designed to prevent hacking—elderly people are especially vulnerable. You even go through their servers if I read the AV protection correctly.

I suspect you may find your 90 yo mother will not be receptive to learning a new system…and possibly not capable, just stresses her and you out. Cheaper to buy an updated HP if that is the issue IMNSHbut experiencedO. If she uses it to print photos an inkjet will work better than a laser printer, even if the cartridges are outrageously expensive.

I can understand being frustrated but making alterations in her life may be more detrimental than going along. That is for you to evaluate.

It is open source.
http://www.mywowcomputer.com/opensource.html

Based upon my use of Chrome and my 90 year old mothers skill level, I believe she will pick it up with some time spent with me teaching her 🙂

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My mother (90 years old) purchased a “Wow all in one computer” from the people associated with the AARP about a year ago. This computer runs on a version of Linux. Unfortunately they have crippled the system to such an extent that it can only use an HP Inkjet printer.

How can I get the piece of junk to use a Brother back and white laser?

I have worked with the command line on Windows with the help of people telling me what to do

I have VERY LIMITED tech skills, however I can follow very detailed step by step instructions if everything is put in the proper order as if you were instructing a first time computer user. I would also have to be told how to even get to the command prompt on this computer.

My mother and I would be most appreciative if you could help us.

Looking over the packages for Tiny Core Linux, I see that it’s using CUPS (https://cups.org) for printing services. Given how popular CUPS is (Apple also uses it for OS X and eventually bought the rights to the code), it’s not likely that the folks at WOW! Computer would replace it with something else.

One of the neat features of CUPS is that it has both a command-line and web interface. There’s a chance that the web interface hasn’t been disabled so start the web browser and paste/type the following web address:

[INDENT]http://localhost:631/[/INDENT]

If for some weird reason there’s an error that says “host not found” or something similar, try it like this:

[INDENT]http://127.0.0.1:631/[/INDENT]

CUPS is usuallly paired up with Foomatic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foomatic). There are thousands of printer models in the database (http://openprinting.org/printers) and Brother printers are particularly well supported given their popularity with Linux users so you most likely don’t need to install any additional drivers or system packages.

The web interface is pretty easy to navigate. There are wizards for adding, modifying and deleting printers. The unknown is whether the default login has enough permissions to make the necessary changes.

Based on the screenshots on the WOW! Computer website, I doubt there’s a menu/shortcut to get to a terminal window for a command prompt. The virtual consoles in Linux are also likely to have been disabled, but it’s worth trying if the web interface for CUPS isn’t an option.

Chung

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If your Mother chose the WOW computer for herself, then your best choice is to support what she did and just get her a simple new HP Inkjet.

I’m a 75 year old computer tutor who works with seniors, and no matter how smart and capable you own 90 year old is, people at that age simply do not learn computers easily. I’ve worked with hugely intelligent people (even IBMers) who just find it harder than they would have even 5 years before. And you’re not going to be there to help her 24/7.

But there’s another thing here to consider. When you override the decisions of an elder by telling them that you know what’s better for them than they do, then you are disrespecting them. Being 90 isn’t easy. Everyone is always telling you how to live your life, what to eat, whether to drive, where to live, how to get around. So any decision that they get to make for themselves is an important piece of self-respect.

She bought a WOW for herself. That’s huge. It will let her communicate with the world. Just cheer her on!

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If your Mother chose the WOW computer for herself, then your best choice is to support what she did and just get her a simple new HP Inkjet.

I’m a 75 year old computer tutor who works with seniors, and no matter how smart and capable you own 90 year old is, people at that age simply do not learn computers easily. I’ve worked with hugely intelligent people (even IBMers) who just find it harder than they would have even 5 years before. And you’re not going to be there to help her 24/7.

But there’s another thing here to consider. When you override the decisions of an elder by telling them that you know what’s better for them than they do, then you are disrespecting them. Being 90 isn’t easy. Everyone is always telling you how to live your life, what to eat, whether to drive, where to live, how to get around. So any decision that they get to make for themselves is an important piece of self-respect.

She bought a WOW for herself. That’s huge. It will let her communicate with the world. Just cheer her on!

I understand this and respect your view of this but by her letting AARP decide instead of collaborating with her family members to get what works best is not the right way to go.
I’m not in the “elderly” class yet but it won’t be long and I see nothing that AARP is doing that is in my best interest. For this reason alone I would encourage her to find an alternative.

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Yes, but she already has the WOW, so telling her to change is disrespecting her independence and denigrating her ability to choose on her own. She made this decision (I’m assuming, of course, that AARP did not show up at her door and force the WOW on her), and that’s more important than getting the “right” or “best” computer. It’s not a choice I would necessarily chose either, but it’s not all THAT bad a product and it does cover all the security issues that people worry about (and should worry about), which is valuable.

Typically, 90 year olds only need to do some pretty simple things on a computer. Finding a “command line” is not one of them. Reading and sending emails, possible Facebook, maybe some photos, a letter to a Congressional representative — that’s about it. So something like what she has most likely meets HER needs, even though it is frustrating for you.

Don’t get me wrong — I know you have her best interests at heart. But truly, she doesn’t need an alternative at this stage in her life.

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Looking over the packages for Tiny Core Linux, I see that it’s using CUPS (https://cups.org) for printing services. Given how popular CUPS is (Apple also uses it for OS X and eventually bought the rights to the code), it’s not likely that the folks at WOW! Computer would replace it with something else.

One of the neat features of CUPS is that it has both a command-line and web interface. There’s a chance that the web interface hasn’t been disabled so start the web browser and paste/type the following web address:
[INDENT]http://localhost:631/[/INDENT]

If for some weird reason there’s an error that says “host not found” or something similar, try it like this:
[INDENT]http://127.0.0.1:631/[/INDENT]

CUPS is usuallly paired up with Foomatic (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foomatic). There are thousands of printer models in the database (http://openprinting.org/printers) and Brother printers are particularly well supported given their popularity with Linux users so you most likely don’t need to install any additional drivers or system packages.

The web interface is pretty easy to navigate. There are wizards for adding, modifying and deleting printers. The unknown is whether the default login has enough permissions to make the necessary changes.

Based on the screenshots on the WOW! Computer website, I doubt there’s a menu/shortcut to get to a terminal window for a command prompt. The virtual consoles in Linux are also likely to have been disabled, but it’s worth trying if the web interface for CUPS isn’t an option.

Chung

This is an interesting suggestion about using CUPS. What happened?? Did the web interface work???

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Did anyone try this? Interesting idea.
Looking at the specs. on the WOW, there must be a huge profit to
the manufacturer.

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Sorry, this is my first time in the Lounge. Did anyone try the CUPS
web interface approach? Interesting idea.

My first post didn’t specify what I was asking.

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what does your mom want?

"Take care of thy backups and thy restores shall take care of thee." Ben Franklin, revisted

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I’ve been around some seniors and their computers. Have you considered just going with a tablet?

Tablets have a simplified user interface that can be appealing. The keyboard itself can be a barrier and a tablet removes the pressure to learn to type. And tablet controls are sized for fingers which is basically means “always larger than a traditional desktop UI”. For anyone with vision problems this starts to look pretty good.

This doesn’t address the printing issue directly I realize. However if the entire user experience is a better fit for the senior then it’s worth considering.

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We’ll need to wait for Double Tap to respond – probably has to go and visit.

cheers, Paul

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anntms – Thank you so much for reminding me about respecting my 82-year-old Dad’s wishes.

So right, so poignant.

So sorry, Dad….

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First time here and didn’t read all the replies for this. In my Linux experience, I’ve downloaded drivers for printer brands from the Linux site for the Linux distro on the computer.

Best,
Frank

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First time here and didn’t read all the replies for this. In my Linux experience, I’ve downloaded drivers for printer brands from the Linux site for the Linux distro on the computer.

Best,
Frank

You couldn’t make it as far as #2?

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Can I write and print my own documents?
The WOW! Computer has an integrated word processor that lets you write, edit, save and print your own text documents. It also includes software for spreadsheets and slide presentations. Most recent HP printers will work with your WOW! Computer – just plug the USB cable from your printer into the WOW! Computer.

This from the WOW specs sheet. Why do you need to use a Brother Laser printer if the HP works OK? Neil.

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The specs on the WOW computer are mediocre at best, thus making the price of $1079 too high. You can pick up a similar or more powerful all-in-one for less than half that price with Win 7 or 8. HOWEVER, the same can be said of some offerings from Apple wherein similar specs on a PC can be had for a considerably lower price.
On the other hand you’re paying for a turn-key kind of system, easy to use and ready to go – except for that darned printer limitation !!
I don’t know why Doubletap is calling them crooks. They offer a system with certain desirable benefits. The fact that it’s a closed system does not negate the product or its advantages. Is Doubletap actually just resenting the fact that his old dear made a buying decision without consulting him? And, if she has learned to use the WOW and likes it then why force her to change?

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I agree. The price seems way high, but it may be worth it. If your mom gets to be online without all the hassle that many computer users suffer, it may be worth it. I use linux mint right now, and really enjoy the ease of use and don’t have to worry as much about viruses as I did with my windows OS. It was her choice. If it were my Mom, I’d buy her a new printer and say… “Mom I love you, let me set this up for you!”

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Performance-wise, the Celeron 1037U that comes with the WOW is about on par with the entry-level Core i3 (both run at 1.8GHz). It is of similar performance to a 2.3GHz Core2Duo from a few years ago. This should be plenty to handle everyday tasks, and it consumes very little power so it won’t matter if she forgets to turn it off.

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Let’s stick to the topic here – using a Printer with the Wow computer. Let’s leave other considerations off the Lounge, please.

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Let’s stick to the topic here – using a Printer with the Wow computer. Let’s leave other considerations off the Lounge, please.

Good idea. And on that subject a support rep for WOW named Sheila just told me over the phone that “the computer works with any HP printer” and you get free tech support assistance for life. Pretty clear and simple, eh?

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And on that subject a support rep for WOW named Sheila just told me over the phone that “the computer works with any HP printer” and you get free tech support assistance for life.

The OP says (post #3) that AARP (American Association of Retired Persons?) confirmed that he can’t use an HP Laser printer. Hopefully the info from the WOW support rep is more accurate. It sounds like the OP needs to contact WOW directly and ask specifically what’s involved in changing from an HP inkjet to another type of printer.

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Good idea. And on that subject a support rep for WOW named Sheila just told me over the phone that “the computer works with any HP printer” and you get free tech support assistance for life. Pretty clear and simple, eh?

Probably using the free tech support for life option would be the way to go here.

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As far as i can tell it’s HP or … nothing!

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As far as i can tell it’s HP or … nothing!

It sounds like the OP needs to contact WOW directly and ask specifically what’s involved in changing from an HP inkjet to another type of printer.

Rick said type, not make.

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That’s what I thought, but there’s still confusion whether or not an HP laserjet can be used. If the WOW support rep said “any HP printer” then that surely includes laserjets… but the OP says AARP confirmed he can’t use an HP laserjet… so it’s still as clear as mud.

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so it’s still as clear as mud.

In a beer bottle on a dark day.

cheers, Paul

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Why buy someone 90 a cromebook? Almost every city has windows 7 refurbished computers available at a good price and you often get the refirbished microsoft disc. When you buy this you are getting a very popular version of windows soo many friends can help with problems.
Keep it simple

Bob F. tech in Montreal

[quOTE=Double Tap;997009]My mother (90 years old) purchased a “Wow all in one computer” from the people associated with the AARP about a year ago. This computer runs on a version of Linux. Unfortunately they have crippled the system to such an extent that it can only use an HP Inkjet printer.

How can I get the piece of junk to use a Brother back and white laser?

I have worked with the command line on Windows with the help of people telling me what to do

I have VERY LIMITED tech skills, however I can follow very detailed step by step instructions if everything is put in the proper order as if you were instructing a first time computer user. I would also have to be told how to even get to the command prompt on this computer.

My mother and I would be most appreciative if you could help us.[/QUOTE]

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At the risk of showing my age…

The old school solution to a situation like this was printer emulation. Many printers used to explicitly emulate a different make and model of printer. The price was usually a loss of certain advanced features, and what was worse (from an IT perspective) was that it was never clear if the printer was functioning in native versus emulation mode. Unless you checked and knew how to check.

HP is still a very popular printer manufacturer and Brother distinctly less so. Could the Brother printer emulate an HP printer? If so, you then tap in to the HP printer support the WOW PC has, including drivers and all the rest.

The downside is, I’ve not seen much published on printer emulation in YEARS. Though I’ve been out of the line of work that dealt with this topic for a very long time.

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At the risk of showing my age…

The old school solution to a situation like this was printer emulation. Many printers used to explicitly emulate a different make and model of printer. The price was usually a loss of certain advanced features, and what was worse (from an IT perspective) was that it was never clear if the printer was functioning in native versus emulation mode. Unless you checked and knew how to check.

HP is still a very popular printer manufacturer and Brother distinctly less so. Could the Brother printer emulate an HP printer? If so, you then tap in to the HP printer support the WOW PC has, including drivers and all the rest.

The downside is, I’ve not seen much published on printer emulation in YEARS. Though I’ve been out of the line of work that dealt with this topic for a very long time.

Nowadays most printers (especially laser printers) speak PCL and/or PostScript and use a USB interface, so fortunately, printer emulation generally isn’t needed.

The USB specification has a “printer class” that defines how a connected printer communicates with a host computer. Printer drivers might include support for extra features such as paper handling, toner saving, print quality, etc. The drivers will also include the printer parameters for the unprintable area, print resolution, and so on.

For basic printing, HP’s LaserJet III PCL driver will work with a lot of laser printers models. PostScript is even more portable than PCL because a PPD describes a printer.

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Yes, that sounds right. Every laser printer I know of uses either PCL or PS, with PCL winning the popularity contest.

My guess is, if you use an HP LJ III or 4 driver, it will probably work, and without too many problems. The driver may not know the following:

– the actual print resolution the Brother is capable of;
– the number of drawers;
– any multi-function options like fax, scanner, etc.
– the amount of installed memory;
– maximum capacity, and present amounts, of paper.

Drivers of that era, IIRC, did not interrogate the printer for installed features and capabilities. In this case that might be a blessing because if the driver initiates a 2-way conversation with the Brother, it’s going to discover that it is a mismatched driver.

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