(wanted) software to make PostScript from plain text files
pa...@vixie.uucp
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: pa...@vixie.UUCP, nike!ptsfa!vixie!pa...@seismo.CSS.GOV
San Mateo, Calif uucp: {ptsfa,qantel,fortune,crash,winfree}!vixie!paul
Clifford Huff
>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.
>
>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
/ __ \ | _____| |_ _| _____========= c...@sei.cmu.edu
| |__|_| | |__ | | _____============= Software Eng. Institue
_\___ \ | __| | | _____================= Carnegie-Mellon Univ.
| |__| | | |____ _| |_ _____============= Pittsburgh, PA 15213
\____/ |______| |_____| _____========= (412) 268-6382
-----=====
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