[comp.sys.ibm.pc] TeX/METAFONT source wanted

carroll@s.cs.uiuc.edu (09/05/88)

I'm trying to learn Knuth's TeX text formatting program (no flames, please.
It's too late to change now). I'm not satisfied with the TeX implementation
I have (PCTeX, which is a nice package, but I tend to require very
obscure features that are too bizarre to standard). What I'm looking for
are PD device drivers (DVI -> HP LaserJet, for instance), and METAFONT
programs, font sources. Desperation may force me to copy it out of
Knuth's books, but I'd like to avoid that. Finally, does any one have
any comments on the TeX source code from the Austin Code Works? It's
$170, but includes TeX, printer drivers, and fonts. Thanks!

P.S. This is for an IBM AT or compatible, with Microsoft C 5.0/5.1.

Alan M. Carroll : carroll@s.cs.uiuc.edu
    "Couldn't think of a good quote" - me

pcm@iwarpj.intel.com (Phil C. Miller) (09/09/88)

In article <213400001@s.cs.uiuc.edu> carroll@s.cs.uiuc.edu writes:
>
>I'm trying to learn Knuth's TeX text formatting program [...]
>[...] I'm not satisfied with the TeX implementation
>I have (PCTeX, which is a nice package, but I tend to require very
>obscure features that are too bizarre to standard). What I'm looking for
>are PD device drivers (DVI -> HP LaserJet, for instance), and METAFONT
>programs, font sources. Desperation may force me to copy it out of
>Knuth's books, but I'd like to avoid that. 

A person you want to contact is:

    Jon Radel
    P.O. Box 2276
    Reston, VA 22090
    USA

He is distributing a number of TeX family items including ALL of the
items you mentioned, plus more.  For information about exactly what he
distributes and for how much, mail a self-addressed stamped ($0.45)
envelope to him at the above address.

Jon distributes things on 360k floppies and charges $1.50 each if you
supply formatted floppies, $5.00 each if he supplies 'em.  A partial
list of what he has:

    o DOSTeX v2.7b, with AMS-TeX, LaTeX, and Plain TeX
    o TeX v2.9 source
    o PC-WRITEX
    o MakeIndex
    o TGRIND
    o PicTeX
    o DVI printer drivers for several typical IBM PC printers
    o Previewers for VGA, EGA, CGA, MCGA, Hercules, Olivetti 640x400 
      displays
    o a plethora of style and macro files, filters, fonts, etc.
    o a collection of TeXhax and TeXMag electonic magazine back issues
    o raw source code for a number of Unix-based tools (not ported)

    I have NOT provided a complete list; I am just trying to spark
    interest in and support for Jon's service.  Please inquire directly
    to Jon for better information.  BTW, I've never met Jon or
    corresponded with him, other than to request his newsletter on 
    what he has for "sale".

>Finally, does any one have any comments on the TeX source code 
>from the Austin Code Works? It's $170, but includes TeX, 
>printer drivers, and fonts. Thanks!

Jon has ported most of this stuff (using Microsoft C v5.0) himself.
The sources have come from a variety of public domain places.  Austin
Code Works also repackages public domain software and sells it.

My advice would be to contact Jon and find out what he has, contact
Austin Code Works and find out what they have, and decide for
yourself.

>P.S. This is for an IBM AT or compatible, with Microsoft C 5.0/5.1.

Right.  Jon's stuff, for the record, runs on DOS machines INCLUDING AT's
and apparently XT's and PC's.

Phil Miller
{...}!tektronix!ogccse!pcm