Ubuntu is probably the most popular distro among Linux operating system users. Installing peripherals have been a challenge on Linux and although there have been improvisations to make the OS user-friendly, getting some devices up and running still remains a challenge.

HPLIP is developed by HP to enable Linux users to get connected to its printers. The software driver package is compatible with almost all models, 1445 models to be exact. The current version of HPLIP is 2.8.7.

Make sure you download the latest version as the newer printers will only be covered in the latest version of HPLIP.

Printer Installation Instructions
1. Download the package and run the installer by using the command: sudo hp-setup (sudo command will prompt for your root password).
2. Under connection type, select appropriately (USB is the most common connection type).
3. Your HP printer should be automatically discovered. If your HP printer is not discovered automatically, hit Find Manually. Hitting the Next buttons and the Finish button should complete the installation.

If you have multiple printers, you can set any printer as default by selecting Print in Administration menu, select the printer that needs to be made default and click on Make Default button.