Print@CU
Print@CU is a stupidly easy web interface for using Columbia printers. It was created by Sam Aarons in November 2011 after a mere 16 hours of work [1]. It has since added Dropbox integration, printer status displays and print from url capability.
To use the site, upload your document into Print@CU. The site sends your file to a Columbia printer, at which point you enter your UNI at the NINJa terminal to print normally.
Note that trying to print images can be spotty.
In fall of 2013, Spec bought it[1] and added advertisements. In 2014, the entire page became an ad for Bernheim and Schwartz.
Your document is printing as:
Before Spec "improved" it, Print@CU didn't ask for UNIs and instead submitted documents from a list of false names. It was rumored to select the name Malkovich when parts of the system are experiencing errors, leading to entire printers being consumed by the name. This list has included:
- Forbes Celebrity 100
- LOST Cast Members
- Time 100
- Famous American authors
- People who've EGOT-ed
- Muppets
- North Korean leaders
- Pokemon
- Game of Thrones characters
- Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis Characters
How to use Print@CU
- Go to: https://printatcu.com/
- In the first pull-down menu, select the building location where you would like to print.
- In the second pull-down menu, select a specific printer in the above building. Printer numbers correspond to the building floor numbers (i.e. 303 is on the third floor). Note: Green squares next to the printer indicate that the printer is functioning normally, while you should avoid printing on a yellow or red printer that is experiencing a paper jam or is otherwise offline.
- Press the "Choose Files" button and upload your chosen document(s). Note: You are not able to print .jpg files.
- Select whether or not you would like your files to be collated, double-sided, and enter your desired number of copies.
- Press print.
- Note the pseudonym assigned to your job by Print@CU. Your pseudonym will be a fictional or historical name like Hilary Clinton or Johnny Appleseed.
- Go to your chosen printer, and locate your job in the queue. It will be one of entries furthest down the list.
- Select your entry, delete the pseudonym in the name space, and input your UNI and password.
- Press print.
Protip: visit the Printer Status Page to check whether your printer is out of service. Note that the color code on this page does not indicate whether a printer is ready! Also note that this page may not track printer jams.
