printer puzzle

[Richard Lyons <richard@the-place.net>]

I am constantly puzzled by printer configuration.  Every time I get it 
right, I then discover that there are exceptions - applications that do 
not use the general settings.  Can anyone explain to me why the gimp 
always has its own list of pinters and usually can print even when 
nothing else can?

Even more important, why does mozilla have its own - usually 
non-functioning - settings?  Currently on the upstairs box mozilla 
offers the following printers:
   lp@:64
   xp_ps_spooldir_tmp_Xprintjobs@:64
   xp_pdf_spooldir_tmp_Xprintjobs@:64
   PostScript/default
None of these makes any sense to me, and if I try to print I get the 
usual unstoppable stream of raw postscript wasting reams of paper and 
precious ink cartridges.  Why do the cups printers not show up in 
Mozilla?  Is there a way to correct this?

TIA
-- 
richard