does anyone know of a very light print server, which I can install onto my Unraid server. 

I am happy for it to be a docker or a VM.

I know this hasn't been up long before I made this response but I have the feeling you are not going to find much.

 

Let's begin with a short section from smb.conf file:

# we don't do printers
        show add printer wizard = No
        disable spoolss = Yes
        load printers = No
        printing = bsd
        printcap name = /dev/null

As you can see, LimeTech is probably not going to change their approach at this point in time. 

 

There is not really much call for printer servers these days except maybe at the corporate level.   Most folks just use an Ethernet or a wireless connection and attach the printer directly to their network.  (I have two printers connect directly to my network and, as far as I am concerned, it is the only way to go!)  The only reason that I can see that you need a 'lightweight' printer server is that you have an old printer without either of these connection options.  (I hope you did buy a new printer without either one!)  

 

You best option is to install a Linux VM and setup it up to share a printer that you attach to it.  While this should not be that difficult, but you will probably have some time invested in doing so.  IF you feel this is totally beyond your capability or your time is limited, buy a printer that you can connect directly to the network. 

 

 

PS---  IF you decide to purchase a printer, be sure that it has Ethernet connectivity!  Many, many people complain in the online reviews about connectivity problems with printers that use wireless.  There are virtually no complaints about connectivity issues with Ethernet!  The only problem is getting the CAT5 cable to it and believe me that is minor compared to 'fixing' wireless  issues.

Alternatively, set up a Raspberry Pi as a print server, here are some links for you:

https://www.tomshardware.com/uk/how-to/raspberry-pi-print-server

https://pimylifeup.com/raspberry-pi-print-server/

https://opensource.com/article/18/3/print-server-raspberry-pi

https://medium.com/swlh/setup-a-print-server-using-raspberry-pi-cups-part-1-c8f3d48af047

https://www.raspberry-pi-geek.com/Archive/2013/01/Converting-the-Raspberry-Pi-to-a-wireless-print-server

https://www.balena.io/blog/wifi-enable-usb-printers-with-a-raspberry-pi-and-share-it-over-your-network/

https://maker.pro/raspberry-pi/projects/how-to-turn-a-usb-printer-into-a-wireless-printer-with-raspberry-pi-zero-w

 

If you get a new printer later on, you have a Raspberry Pi to play with

 

Here is another option:

 

   https://www.monoprice.com/product?p_id=5342

 

On Amazon, you can also find some printer servers.   They even have a few for the old Centronics interface.  Those are very costly...