dsill@ark1.nswc.navy.mil (Dave Sill) (09/05/89)
I've been charged with writing a spec for PostScript printers and I need some answers. First, our situation. We have a UNIX-based office automation system. The printers currently in use are Canon LBP-2's. We need to buy more printers, but we realize (finally) that PostScript is the way to go. We realize we'll need to provide some kind of filter between the OA system and the printer (ala enscript). The OA system currently supports letter-quality output only, no graphics. But we can see the day where we'd like to use these printers for printing arbitrary PostScript documents generated by various applications, Mac, PC, and UNIX-based. My concerns and questions: -If I spec "PostScript compatible" will I be able to print various Mac and PC generated documents? Recent discussions here indicate that LaserWriters are a PostScript superset, and that some massaging might be required first. -What about fonts? What are the "standard" 35 fonts on most PS printers? Are they copyrighted by Adobe? Are substitutes available? I don't want to get into trouble by specifying a proprietary solution. -What minimum version number of PostScript compatability should I require? 47, 48, 50? Does it matter? -What about clones? Besides the font issues, is it safe to accept a clone that claims PostScript compatability? I have a PCPI printer for evaluation which uses ImageScript. Does anybody have experience with ImageScript? What PS version is IS 1.1 supposed to be compatible with? The fonts seem to be named differently, e.g., Triumvirate vs. Helvetica. What happens when a document ccalls for Helvetica? Any help will be greatly appreciated. I need info ASAP. Mail directly to me or post to this newsgroup. Thanks. -- Dave Sill (dsill@relay.nswc.navy.mil)