printing in Linux lacking?

Though I probably have a long way to go, I have learned a lot about SuSE Linux since first trying in 1999. I currently have configured 8.0 at home with Mozilla and Open Office. Even printing seemed to work ok in Open Office which amazed me. While printing did work without any trouble, I was very disappointed in the quality and then I realized that something very important seems to be missing from Linux printing. In Windows printing, the printer options give me choices for print quality and even paper type. For printing pictures on photo paper, I can select the photo paper type and best quality. Am I missing something or is this completely missing in Linux? How can I print a good quality photo on photo paper? Damon Register