joseph@elbereth.rutgers.edu (Seymour Joseph) (10/11/89)
Hi, I run several labs of networked MacPlus computers that are used to support computer science programming courses. I need to provide, reliable, easy to use, networkable printers for the students of these courses. Print quality is not an issue, as long as the pascal listing is readable, I don't care about extreme dot density. We are currently using Apple Imagewriter II printers with the AppleTalk option installed. This has not worked out well because the ImageWriter II is not well designed. It jams frequently, misprints often and breaks often. I am thinking of putting LaserWriters in the lab because they are faster than matrix printers, are more reliable and easier to use. For my usage, they are unfortunately too high quality and will attract many users to print resumes, papers and other non-course related items on these printers. The labs are generally not staffed, and have to be user supportable, so having a lab assistant monitor what is printed won't work for me. I was thinking that If I spool the LaserWriters, and hack the LaserPrep file a bit, I might be able to force the Laserwriter to print a large message in light gray on every page, behind the users output, to discourage non Computer Science use. I would like it to print "FOR DCS USE ONLY!" or something like that in a 36-48 point font in a light gray (20-40%). 1) is this possible? 2) could anyone help with possible postscript hacks? I am not a postscript programmer. Thanks Seymour