Printing issues with Linux Mint Debian XFCE (201104)

I'm booting into Linux Mint Debian XFCE from a USB thumbdrive and am really pleased with the performance. Only problem is that I can't print. Linux recognizes my HP Laser Jet P1005 and confirms that it's installed. Except that it won't print. I'm wondering if finding and copying the correct HP driver onto the thumbdrive would work or is some installation process needed? I had the same problem with Linux Mint 9 and never found a solution that someone with average computer skills like myself could apply.

 

Perhaps follow the cups instructions here?

http://www.openprinting.org/printer/HP/HP-LaserJet_P1005

 

Thanks—I'll check it out.

 

It seems to be a really complicated process. What seems really strange to me is that if you install any Windows or Apple OS, printing is enabled almost automatically. Download almost any Linux distro and you have to go through hoops to get your damn printer to work! Why is this?