🚀 go-pugleaf

mpinder@awinc.com (MARK PINDER) wrote:
>I did some investigation on this for a local college and could not find anything which would 
>allow you to charge back users (per page or per character) for the use of printers under 
>NetWare. 

Unlike some people, I typically I don't toot my own horn in these newsgroups, but since
once in a while I respond to posts with advice, it seems like now is a good time to talk
about Pcounter.  Pcounter is page counting print server software for Novell, and it comes
in NLM and EXE (dedicated print server) formats.

Pcounter counts pages on any PostScript and LaserJet compatible (PCL) printer, and
can account for plotters on a per-job basis.  And it doesn't matter where your
printer is located - it can be parallel, serial, remote, or networked.  Accounting
can be done for each user (using Netware's built-in accounting) and additionally
a log file is kept containing all of your printing activity.

Pcounter also enhances the standard Novell printing process with these features:
- LPR output to a UNIX host
- Automatic text to PostScript conversion
- Pleasant looking banner pages with correct information including page count and 
  account balance.
- Simple printer and queue management from the PCOUNTER console.
- Remote control so that you can always see what's happening.
- Automatically place jobs on hold;  Delete old held jobs.
- Reject incorrect print job types and incorrect paper sizes.
- Built in screen blanker; automatic reboot on file server crashes. (EXE only)

Pcounter 3.11a comes with a 45 day grace/trial period for unlimited usage after your
first installation.  It's available by ftp:

ftp://ftp.netcom.com/pub/an/andtech/pcnt311a.zip
ftp://netlab2.usu.edu/apps/pcnt311a.zip

Andy Charmatz
A.N.D. Technologies
andtech@netcom.com