In Ubuntu and Debian you just need to add the user to the lpadmin group to add printers, modify settings, etc for cups. Normally the first user has been granted this permission. Did you install Ubuntu from desktop live cd? Are you the first user?
** Changed in: system-config-printer (Ubuntu) Status: New => Incomplete -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Bugs, which is subscribed to Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/602284 Title: "Administration -> Printing -> Add" requires 'root' user -- ubuntu-bugs mailing list ubuntu-bugs@lists.ubuntu.com https://lists.ubuntu.com/mailman/listinfo/ubuntu-bugs