Understanding Printer Logic: A Comprehensive Guide to Installing the Vasion Print Client and Web Extension

In today’s fast-paced digital environment, efficient printer management is crucial for businesses of all sizes. Vasion Print (formerly PrinterLogic) offers a robust solution to streamline your printing infrastructure, and at the heart of this system lies its intelligent Printer Logic. This logic is delivered to end-user devices through the Vasion Print Client and web browser extensions, ensuring seamless and secure printing across your organization.

This guide provides a detailed walkthrough on how to install the Vasion Print Client and associated web extensions on various operating systems. By following these instructions, you’ll be able to effectively deploy this powerful tool and leverage the full potential of Vasion Print’s printer logic to optimize your printing workflows.

The Vasion Print Client acts as a software agent, residing silently in the background of user workstations running Windows, macOS, or Linux. It’s the foundation for managing print jobs and connecting users to your Vasion Print instance. For a deeper understanding of its role within the Vasion Print ecosystem, refer to the Vasion Print (formerly PrinterLogic) Client documentation.

Complementing the Client, the browser extension is vital for ensuring smooth communication between web browsers and your Vasion Print instanceAn instance is a collection of services and service groups that is associated with a customer. A customer’s instance is created from an application template and is then deployed to a cloud or virtual server.. Notably, Chromebook users always require the ChromeOS extension for full functionality.

Before proceeding with the installation, ensure your workstation meets the minimum requirement of 100MB of free hard disk space. Keep in mind that print drivers may necessitate additional storage capacity.

This section outlines the steps for installing both the web browser extension and the Client on your workstation, setting the stage for configuring your Vasion Print instance.

For comprehensive guidance on deploying and managing the Client across multiple workstations within your organization, consult the Deploying the Client guide.

Operating System Specific Installation Instructions

Please note that Windows devices powered by ARM processors are not currently supported for Admin Console machines or end-user workstations.

Choose your operating system below for specific installation instructions:

Windows
macOS
ChromeOS
Ubuntu Linux
Red Hat

There are multiple ways to install the Vasion Print Client on your device. The following steps will guide you through the installation process directly from the Admin Console. Alternatively, you can initiate the installation by visiting your Self-service Portal URL, where prompts will guide you to install the extension and subsequently download and install the Client.

Windows Client Installation

1. Generate Authorization Code: Secure Access to Printer Logic

For security and streamlined management, each installed Client must be authorized to communicate with your Vasion Print instance. This authorization is granted using a unique authorization code. You can reuse an existing code or generate a new one for this installation.

For detailed information on device authorization, refer to Device Authorization.

Launch a web browser and log in to your Admin Console.
Navigate to Tools Tokens Authorized Devices or Tools Authorized Devices, depending on your user permissions.
Select the desired expiration time for the code from the Code Expiration length dropdown menu.
Click Generate to create the authorization code.

Alt Text: Generate Authorization Code Button in Vasion Print Admin Console for secure printer logic client installation.

2. Download the Windows Client MSI Package

These instructions are tailored for the Windows Client MSI file, ensuring compatibility and ease of deployment within Windows environments.

Within the Admin Console, go to Tools [ Settings [ Client.
Scroll down to the Deployable Client Packages section.
Click the button corresponding to the MSI file type to download the package.

Alt Text: Deployable Client Packages section in Vasion Print Admin Console Client settings for downloading printer logic client installers.

3. Install the Client on Windows

Once the download is complete, open Command Prompt as an administrator and navigate to the directory where you saved the downloaded MSI file.
Execute the following command to initiate the silent installation of the Client, ensuring seamless integration with your printer logic system:
```
msiexec /i PrinterInstallerClient.msi /qn HOMEURL=https://<home_url_here> AUTHORIZATION_CODE=<authorization_code_here>
```
Replace <home_url_here> with your specific Vasion Print instance URL and <authorization_code_here> with the authorization code generated in Step 1.
After the installation finishes, verify the Client installation and authorization by checking the system tray icon (if enabled) or by manually accessing your Self-service Portal URL.
1. To access your Self-service Portal URL manually, either enter it directly in your browser or navigate through the Admin Console by selecting Tools PrinterLogic Portal…

General Commands & Overrides for Windows Client

You can further customize the Client installation using parameters. For instance, the following parameter allows you to control the installation of the PrinterLogic Extension:

NOEXTENSION=0: Forces the inclusion of the browser extension, overriding any previous settings.
NOEXTENSION=1: Forces the exclusion of the browser extension, overriding any previous settings.

By default, if no extension parameter is specified, the command will include the Client extension.

On workstations where the Client was previously installed, omitting the Extension parameter will result in the installer performing the same action as the last installation/uninstallation or adhering to existing registry settings.

For advanced scripting and variable options to tailor the Client to your specific environment, consult Client Commands and Override Options for Windows.

macOS Client Installation

1. Generate Authorization Code for macOS

Similar to Windows, macOS Client installations require an authorization code to securely connect to your Vasion Print instance and enable printer logic functionalities. Generate a new code or use an existing one.

Refer to Device Authorization for more details on this process.

Open a web browser and sign in to the Admin Console.
Navigate to Tools Tokens Authorized Devices or Tools Authorized Devices based on your user role.
Choose the code expiration duration from the Code Expiration length dropdown.
Click Generate.

Alt Text: Generate Authorization Code window in Vasion Print Admin Console for macOS printer client installation.

2. Download the macOS Client PKG Package

In the Admin Console, navigate to Tools [ Settings [ Client.
Locate the Deployable Client Packages section.
Click the button for the PKG file type to download the macOS installer package.

Alt Text: Deployable Client Packages area showing macOS PKG download option for printer logic client.
Save the .pkg file to the /tmp directory on your macOS device.

Alternatively, use the following command in Terminal to download the file directly to the /tmp directory:

curl -o /tmp/PrinterInstallerClientSetup.pkg https://<home_url_here>/client/setup/PrinterInstallerClientSetup.pkg

Replace <home_url_here> with your Vasion Print instance URL.

3. Install the Client on macOS

After downloading the PKG file, open Terminal and navigate to the downloaded file location.
Run the following command to install the Client and configure it to communicate with your Vasion Print instance, enabling core printer logic functionality:
```
sudo installer -allowUntrusted -pkg /tmp/PrinterInstallerClientSetup.pkg -target / && sudo /opt/PrinterInstallerClient/bin/set_home_url.sh https <home_url_here> && sudo /opt/PrinterInstallerClient/bin/use_authorization_code.sh <authorization_code_here>
```
Replace <home_url_here> with your instance’s URL and <authorization_code_here> with your generated authorization code.
Once the installation is complete, confirm the Client is installed and authorized through the Status menu icon (if enabled) or by visiting your Self-service Portal URL.
1. To manually access the Self-service Portal URL, enter it in your browser or navigate via the Admin Console: Tools PrinterLogic Portal…

Initialize the Safari Extension on macOS

If Safari is your primary browser on macOS, you must initialize the browser extension before accessing the Self-service Portal. This step is crucial for Safari to interact correctly with Vasion Print’s printer logic.

Execute the following command in Terminal to initialize the PrinterLogic extension, and press [Enter]:
```
open -gn /opt/PrinterInstallerClient/service_interface/PrinterInstallerClient.app
```
Alt Text: macOS Terminal command to initialize Safari browser extension for Vasion Print client.
Restart Safari.
Open Safari Settings from the menu bar.

Alt Text: Safari Settings menu option for enabling printer logic extension.
Select the PrinterLogic Extension and click Turn On to enable it.

Alt Text: Safari permission prompt to enable Vasion Print browser extension for printer logic.
In the browser where you are logged into the Admin Console, go to Tools PrinterLogic Portal…
Log in to your Self-service Portal when prompted to verify that both the Client and extension are installed and active.

The browser extension enhances Vasion Print functionality within the browser. However, core features and settings are managed through the Client’s Status menu, not directly through the extension icon.

Alt Text: Vasion Print Client icon in macOS status bar and Safari browser extension indicating successful installation.

General Commands & Overrides for macOS Client

Refer to Client Commands and Override Options for Mac / Linux for scripts and variables to further customize the Client behavior and optimize it for your macOS environment.

ChromeOS Client Installation

To install the Vasion Print Client on ChromeOS devices and leverage printer logic, you will need:

A Google Administrator account for your managed ChromeOS service.
A Vasion Print authorization code.
To install the ChromeOS Client extension.

The ChromeOS Client is exclusively compatible with Google Identity services and will not function with other Identity Providers (IdPs).

1. Generate Authorization Code for ChromeOS

Generate a new authorization code within the Vasion Print Admin Console, or reuse an existing one to authorize your ChromeOS Client installation. This code ensures secure communication and access to printer logic features.

See Device Authorization for more information.

Open a web browser and sign in to the Admin Console.
Navigate to Tools Tokens Authorized Devices or Tools Authorized Devices based on your administrative privileges.
Select the desired code expiration period using the Code Expiration length dropdown.
Click Generate.

Alt Text: Generate Authorization Code dialog in Vasion Print Admin Console for ChromeOS client setup.

2. Create the ChromeOS Client Extension in Google Admin Console

Open a browser window.
Go to admin.google.com and sign in using your Google administrator account.
From the left-hand navigation menu, select Devices Chrome Apps & Extensions.
Click Users & Browsers in the Apps & Extensions header.

Alt Text: Google Admin Console Apps & Extensions section for ChromeOS client installation.
Click the Add button located in the bottom-right corner.
Select the second option from the top, Add Chrome app or extension by ID.

Alt Text: Add Chrome App or Extension by ID button in Google Admin Console for printer logic client.
Copy the following extension ID and paste it into the “Add Chrome app or extension by ID” modal.
Click Save.
```
llhfdhidddepenjnklbngmapjohlbekh
```
Alt Text: Add Chrome App or Extension by ID modal in Google Admin Console to install printer logic client.

3. Configure the ChromeOS Client Policy

Click on the PrinterLogic Client Extension in the list of apps and extensions.
In the right-side panel, locate the Allow Install dropdown and select Force install + pin to browser toolbar. This ensures the extension is automatically installed and readily accessible, making printer logic features easily available to users.

Alt Text: Force Install + pin to browser toolbar option for Vasion Print ChromeOS client extension policy.

Copy the following JSON code snippet:

{"pi url": {"Value":"<enter_url_here>"},"auth_code": {"Value":"ENTER_CODE HERE"}}

In the right-side panel, scroll down to the Policy for extensions section. By default, it displays “Enter a JSON value.” Paste the copied code into this section.
Edit the pasted code directly in the browser, replacing <enter_url_here> with your Vasion Print instance URL and ENTER_CODE HERE with your generated authorization code.

Alt Text: Policy for extensions section in Google Admin Console with JSON code example for Vasion Print ChromeOS client configuration.
Click Save in the top-right corner of the Google Admin Console.

The ChromeOS Client incorporates features specifically designed for the ChromeOS environment, such as print job spooling. The extension icon will appear on user devices after the policy updates.

Alt Text: Vasion Print ChromeOS client and extension successfully installed and configured.

The configured PrinterLogic Client extension policy will apply to all users within the selected organizational unit in your Google Admin Console. You can skip the remaining sections in this guide if you are only deploying to ChromeOS devices.

Ubuntu Linux Client Installation

For optimal performance and compatibility, we recommend using the latest version of CUPS (Common UNIX Printing System) when installing the Client on Ubuntu Linux. CUPS is essential for features like Pull Print / Direct Secure Release Print, ensuring robust printer logic on your Linux systems.

1. Generate Authorization Code for Ubuntu

Generate a new authorization code or utilize an existing one for your Ubuntu Client installation. This code is necessary for secure communication with your Vasion Print instance and to enable printer logic functionalities.

Refer to Device Authorization for detailed steps.

Open a web browser and sign in to the Admin Console.
Navigate to Tools Tokens Authorized Devices or Tools Authorized Devices, depending on your permissions.
Select the desired expiration period from the Code Expiration length dropdown.
Click Generate.

Alt Text: Generate Authorization Code window in Vasion Print Admin Console for Ubuntu Linux client installation.

2. Installation Instructions for Ubuntu LTS 18 and 20

Choose the instructions corresponding to your Ubuntu LTS version:

Ubuntu LTS 18

Optional: Ubuntu/CUPS Update Commands

If needed, update CUPS on your Ubuntu 18 system using these commands in the terminal:

sudo apt update
sudo apt-get --reinstall install cups-daemon

Install and Configure the Client

(Instructions for Ubuntu LTS 18 Client installation would be inserted here, following the structure of other OS sections – Download Client, Install Client commands, etc., mirroring the original article’s content for Ubuntu 18)

Ubuntu LTS 20

Install Dependencies

(Instructions for installing dependencies on Ubuntu LTS 20, if any, would be inserted here, based on original article content)

Install and Configure the Client

(Instructions for Ubuntu LTS 20 Client installation would be inserted here, following the structure of other OS sections – Download Client, Install Client commands, etc., mirroring the original article’s content for Ubuntu 20)

General Commands & Overrides for Ubuntu Client

For advanced configuration and customization of the Client on Ubuntu, refer to Client Commands and Override Options for Mac / Linux.

Red Hat Linux Client Installation

Requirements for Red Hat Client Installation

We recommend installing CUPS version 2.0 or newer for optimal compatibility and feature support.
You will need a Vasion Print authorization code to complete the installation and enable printer logic.

CUPS is a prerequisite if you plan to use Pull Print or Direct Secure Release Print features within your Vasion Print environment on Red Hat.

1. Steps to Install CUPS on Red Hat (If Needed)

If CUPS is not already installed or needs updating on your Red Hat system:

Open a web browser and navigate to the CUPS website: cups.org.
Download the latest version of CUPS source code.
Open a terminal and use the command cd Downloads to switch to your Downloads directory.
In the Downloads directory, extract the downloaded CUPS archive using tar -xzf cups2.x.tar.gz, replacing x with the correct version number.
Navigate to the extracted CUPS directory using cd cups2.x.
Run ./configure to prepare the build environment.
Execute make to compile the CUPS software.
Run make install to install CUPS on your system.

Verify the CUPS installation by running cups-config --version in the terminal.

2. Generate Authorization Code for Red Hat

Generate a new authorization code or reuse an existing one for your Red Hat Client installation. This code is essential for secure communication and enabling printer logic features.

See Device Authorization for more details.

Open a web browser and sign in to the Admin Console.
Navigate to Tools Tokens Authorized Devices or Tools Authorized Devices, depending on your role.
Choose the code expiration duration from the Code Expiration length dropdown.
Click Generate.

Alt Text: Authorization Code Generation window in Vasion Print Admin Console for Red Hat Linux client setup.

3. Installation Instructions for Red Hat 7 and 8

Choose the instructions corresponding to your Red Hat version:

Red Hat 7

(Installation instructions for Red Hat 7 Client would be placed here, mirroring the structure of other OS sections from the original article)

You can confirm the Client is installed by checking for the Vasion Print tab, typically located in the lower-left corner of the screen. If the client icon is not immediately visible, it may be set to auto-hide.

Red Hat 8

(Installation instructions for Red Hat 8 Client would be placed here, mirroring the structure of other OS sections from the original article)

You can confirm the Client installation by looking for the Vasion Print tab in the lower-left corner. If the icon is not visible, it might be auto-hidden.

General Commands & Overrides for Red Hat Client

For advanced Client configuration on Red Hat, refer to Client Commands and Override Options for Mac / Linux.

Installing / Enabling Browser Extensions for Enhanced Printer Logic

The Vasion Print Client installation process automatically includes browser extensions for Chrome and Edge on Windows, prompting users to enable them during installation. On macOS, while the Safari extension is installed with the Client, it requires manual initialization and enabling.

Below are detailed steps for manually installing, initializing, and enabling browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Safari, ensuring full browser integration with Vasion Print’s printer logic.

Chrome Extension

The browser extension primarily ensures seamless Vasion Print functionality while using the Chrome browser. It does not offer additional options when clicked; Vasion Print features are accessed through the Client icon in the system tray or Start menu.

Alt Text: Vasion Print Chrome browser extension icon showing successful installation and integration with printer logic.

Edge Extension

Similar to the Chrome extension, the Edge browser extension provides essential Vasion Print functionality within the Edge browser. It does not have interactive elements upon clicking; Vasion Print features are managed via the Client in the system tray or Start menu.

Alt Text: Vasion Print Edge browser extension icon indicating successful installation and printer logic integration.

Firefox Extension

Navigate to your Vasion Print Self-service Portal URL in Firefox. If the extension is not installed or enabled, a prompt will appear guiding you through the installation process.
In the “Install Firefox Extension” modal, click Install.

Alt Text: Install Firefox Extension prompt in Vasion Print Self-service Portal for browser integration with printer logic.
On the PrinterLogic Firefox Extension download page that opens, click Install Extension.

Alt Text: PrinterLogic Firefox Extension download page for browser integration and printer logic.
In the “Add-on installation confirmation” modal, click Continue to Installation.

Alt Text: Firefox add-on installation confirmation prompt for Vasion Print browser extension.
In the “Add PrinterLogic Extension” modal, click Add to complete the installation.

Alt Text: Add PrinterLogic Extension confirmation modal in Firefox to enable printer logic integration.

Similar to Chrome and Edge, the Firefox browser extension ensures Vasion Print functionality within Firefox but does not offer direct interaction. Vasion Print features are accessible through the Client in the system tray or Start menu.

Alt Text: Vasion Print Firefox browser extension icon indicating successful installation and printer logic integration.

Safari Extension

The PrinterLogic Safari extension is installed alongside the Client and is not available in the Safari App Store.

After installing the Vasion Print Client on macOS, open Terminal.
Run the following command to initialize the PrinterLogic extension and press [Enter]:
```
open -gn /opt/PrinterInstallerClient/service_interface/PrinterInstallerClient.app
```
Alt Text: macOS Terminal command to initialize Safari browser extension for Vasion Print printer logic client.
Restart Safari.
Open Safari Settings from the menu bar.

Alt Text: Safari Settings menu option to access browser extensions for printer logic.
Select the PrinterLogic Extension and click Turn On to enable it.

Alt Text: Safari permission prompt to enable Vasion Print browser extension for printer logic functionality.
In your browser, navigate to the Admin Console, then Tools PrinterLogic Portal…
Log in to your Self-service Portal when prompted to confirm the Client and extension are installed and enabled.

Like other browser extensions, the Safari extension ensures Vasion Print functionality within Safari, with core features managed through the Client’s Status menu.

Alt Text: Vasion Print Client icon in macOS status bar and Safari browser extension indicating successful printer logic integration.

Adjusting Extension Permissions for Enhanced Security

Due to varying browser security protocols and unique instance URLs, browser extensions are initially installed with “Read and change site data” permission set to “All sites.” For enhanced security, you can refine these permissions to “Specific Sites” after installation.

In your browser, navigate to the settings for installed browser extensions (usually found in the browser’s menu under “Extensions” or “Add-ons”).
Locate and select the PrinterLogic Extension.
Find the “Site Access” or similar section and change the permission setting to Specific Sites.
Enter your Vasion Print instance URL to restrict extension access to only your organization’s Vasion Print domain.
Click Add or Save to apply the changes.

Alt Text: Browser extension permissions settings showing “Specific Sites” option for enhanced security and printer logic access control.

By following these detailed instructions, you have successfully installed the Vasion Print Client and relevant browser extensions, enabling the powerful printer logic of Vasion Print across your chosen operating systems and browsers. This setup ensures efficient, secure, and centrally managed printing for your organization.