Suggestive Remarks 5
Atari computers have, until recently, usually been able to work with standard peripherals by simply plugging them in.
The arrival of cheap "Windows only" printers with few, if any, user operable buttons and switches leaves Atarians
out in the cold - or does it?
Windows only printers are controlled by software which sets font styles, sizes, print quality and so on. Readers Pete Smith
and Colin J Ballantyne reckon Atari programmers could create a desktop accessory to feed suitable Windows commands
to printers from Atari machines. Imagine each supported printer has its own configuration file to send the appropriate control
codes. For example, a deskjet driver could offer: Reset, Load/Eject paper, Landscape/Portrait, Compressed On/Off, Font to
use, Clean print head, Draft mode On/Off.Colin Ballantyne is prepared to assist anyone undertaking the project with suitable graphics.
If you fancy having a go at this project let us know and we'll put you in touch.
Atari Computing Roadshows?In the good old days there were plenty of shops, magazines, shows and fellow enthusiasts around to assist beginners or anyone needing specialist help and advice. Nowadays it's much harder to find help but it is out there - all you have to do is ask:
Get online. Day to day help is available from Atari friendly bulletin boards (BBS), CIX conferencing and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) which offer Usenet access to comp.sys.atari.st. Join a local user group. There's one near most of you - and if there isn't you could consider starting one yourself. We're working on a plan to offer a directory of people prepared to offer help and advice to other readers by phone or email. We're also looking into the idea of putting together an Atari Computing roadshow to visit local user groups or organise separate events in pubs or village hall around the country. The idea is we'd turn up with a selection of hardware and experts to demonstrate how to make the most of your machines and offer everyone a chance to get hands on experence with the latest software. We'd really like to hear your opinions and ideas.
If you're prepared to help out at a mobile roadshow or if you'd like a roadshow near you write in and tell us why you deserve one...
Mike Kerslake
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