This software provides Linux support for most "multi-function" (also known as "all-in-one") peripherals from Hewlett-Packard, including OfficeJet, LaserJet, Printer/Scanner/Copier ("PSC"), and PhotoSmart printer products.

It consists of:

 - Low-level drivers and libraries to communicate with the device. Depending on your hardware and operating system, you may connect devices directly to your computer with a parallel port or USB (Universal Serial Bus), or to a LAN (Local Area Network) using certain models of HP JetDirect print servers.

 - An application programming interface (API) known as "PTAL" (Peripheral Transport Abstraction Library) that hides the differences in accessing devices connected via parallel, USB, or JetDirect.

 - Printing support, largely powered by ghostscript, the hpijs driver (for most models), and one of various print spoolers (lpd, CUPS, PDQ, etc.) that may already be installed on your computer.

 - Scanning support, in conjunction with SANE (Scanner Access Now Easy).

 - Access to photo-card readers, in conjunction with mtools.

 - Graphical and command-line applications to access various features of the device, such as displaying status of the device and setting the clock.