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Started by paul
Wed, 29 Oct 1986 03:21
(wanted) software to make PostScript from plain text files
Author: paul
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1986 03:21
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 1986 03:21
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I have an Apple LaserWriter connected to a VAX. I want to be able to send
plain text files to the printer; the printer wants PostScript. I was hoping
that there would be some sequence of PostScript commands I could prepend to
the file and have everything come out nice and paginated---this seems not to
be true. I was hoping that I could send the printer temporarily into Diablo
mode (can't leave it that way all the time because sometimes I **DO** have to
print PostScript)---this, also, seems not to be possible.
So, what do I have to do to my text to make the LaserWriter understand it?
Eventually I have to write a VMS Print Symbiont to do the work, but any code
that does the transformations (even extremely simplistic ones) will be a
great help. Any general algorithym to do the work will be a great help.
Heck, any advice at all will be a great help.
Send mail, I'll summarize. Thanks...
--
Paul A. Vixie arpa: paul@vixie.UUCP, nike!ptsfa!vixie!paul@seismo.CSS.GOV
San Mateo, Calif uucp: {ptsfa,qantel,fortune,crash,winfree}!vixie!paul
Re: (wanted) software to make PostScript from plain text files
Author: Clifford Huff
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1986 15:11
Date: Thu, 30 Oct 1986 15:11
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In article <181@vixie.UUCP> paul@vixie.UUCP (Paul Vixie Esq) writes: >I have an Apple LaserWriter connected to a VAX. I want to be able to send >plain text files to the printer; the printer wants PostScript. > >So, what do I have to do to my text to make the LaserWriter understand it? >Eventually I have to write a VMS Print Symbiont to do the work, but any code >that does the transformations (even extremely simplistic ones) will be a >great help. In regards to VAXes connected to LaserWriters and sources of help, here are a couple of ideas and sources of information. Pacer Software has a product called PacerPrint which enables VAX VMS/Ultrix to work with postscript printers, including the LaserWriter. PacerPrint is integrated into the standard VMS printing environment and includes several filters that translate common file formats into Postscript. Files created by users, VAX applications, or other computers (e.g. IBM PC's or Mac's) can be printed from a VAX with PacerPrint. PacerPrint currently supports only an RS-232 interface from a VAX network. Pacer Software also supplies a product call pcLINK which supports both IBM PC's and Mac's connected to a VAX. pcLINK provides terminal emulation, file transfer, printer and virtual disk support. IBM PC's can be supported via ethernet LANs, but at present Mac's are only supported via RS-232 connections. Pacer is currently investigating use of a Kinetics AppleTalk->Ethernet Bridge to permit Mac's to connect to their pcLINK services on the VAX via AppleTalk. Alisa Systems is another company which has software which supports VAX/ VMS systems to use LaserWriters. Their product is AlisaTalk which provides file server (as opposed to a simpler virtual disk server) and print spooler functions for Mac's via Kinetic's AppleTalk->Ethernet Bridge. Postscript files generated on the VAX can be spooled to the LaserWriter for printing. AlisaTalk includes an application which prints standard RMS text files to a selected LaserWriter. The text file is assumed to be a report in 132 column "line printer" format. Their product brochure includes a quick 'hack' which will produce listings on the Apple LaserWriter... They also plan to produce a LaserWriter Print Symbiont and provide the VAX software support necessary to allow Mac Users to use DEC's industrial strength PrinterServer 40 as they would use a LaserWriter. Alisa Systems is also working on Remote Terminal access via AppleTalk from your favorite terminal emulation program by emulation of the existing Mac serial driver. With the Chooser, you will be able to choose whether you want to use a "real" serial port or their network remote terminal service. They are also planning Mac and VMS file interchange support, DECnet Bridge Links, DECnet Gateways and AppleTalk access from a dial-up end node thru a VAX. And certainly, one might want to contact Adobe customer support for their advice: Matthem Foley Customer Support Abobe System Inc 1870 Embarcadero Rd Suite 100 Palo Alto, CA 94303 (415) 852-0271 Here are the addresses and phone numbers of the other companies mentioned: Pacer Software, Inc 7911 Hershel Ave Suite 402 La Jolla, CA 92037 (619) 454-0565 Alisa Systems Inc 221 E. Walnut Street Suite 230 Pasadena, CA 91101 (818) 792-9474 Kinetics Inc P.O.B. 3341 Walnut Creek, CA 94598 (415) 947-0998 I have spoken with both companies about their products. Alisa seems to have best support and long term vision for supporting Mac's on VAX/VMS systems. Pacer would be an alternative for VAX/Ultrix systems. Both companies are worth talking with. As a side note, I am quite impressed with the types of products now appearing providing support for Mac's in a VAX environment. I hope the trend continues. ____ ______ _____ _____===== Cliff Huff / __ \ | _____| |_ _| _____========= cch@sei.cmu.edu | |__|_| | |__ | | _____============= Software Eng. Institue _\___ \ | __| | | _____================= Carnegie-Mellon Univ. | |__| | | |____ _| |_ _____============= Pittsburgh, PA 15213 \____/ |______| |_____| _____========= (412) 268-6382 -----===== C a r n e g i e - M e l l o n U n i v e r s i t y
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