GhostScript in practice

    GhostScript is a RIP, a raster image processor. It feeds on postscript files and produces prints on non-postscript devices or files. For instance, you can print B/W postscript on a HP LaserJet, color postscript on an Epson Stylus Color, or you can convert postscript files into faxable TIFF or PNG for HTML use. GhostScript is free and is used by many people (so you will probably get fast support through USENET.

    If you need or want all the advantages of postscript, and don't want to pay extra for a true PostScript printer, GS is your choice.
    If you want to print directly into TIFF, FAX, TARGA or PNG, GS is your choice.
    If you want to preview your postscript files before spending a lot of time outputting on a film recorder, or want to preview other people's postscript before wasting time and effort on printing it to your $10,000 dye-sub, GS is your choice.

    But first, get the stuff itself.

    Get GSView from Hobbes.
    Get GhostScript from Hobbes.
    Get PrintMon from Hobbes.
    And ... here's Hobbes.

    Backup, maybe? Actually, severe problems are unlikely.

    Installation

    Installation of GhostScript itself is fairly straightforward and well covered in the GSView documentation.

    Actually, GSView is not strictly necessary for the proper operation of GS, but it's useful to the point of being indispensible. PrintMon is a program to automate GS operation and is equally indispensible.

    Customising GhostScript

    Choosing your OS/2 PostScript driver

    Choose your postscript driver in OS/2 and WinOS2 with some care. If you are producing postscript to specific ends, take into account page sizes, resident fonts and postscript level.

    Examples:

    Font installation, substitution and removal

    Page size, customisation

    Print Monitor scripts

    Extra!

    For improved postscript printing from WinOS2, get the latest AdobePS printer driver for Win 3.11 and the PostScript Printer Definition files (PPDs) you require. From Adobe. PPDs will allow you to create non-standard page sizes.

    Remember, I give no guarantees. You're on your own.
    Cheers/2 you all.

    Please let me know your comments and suggestions concerning Ghostscript.

    Michiel de Mooij

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