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Simtel MSDOS 1992 June
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SIMTEL_0692.cdr
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printer
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laser.arc
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READ.ME
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1988-10-09
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GRAPHICS PROGRAM DOCUMENTATION FILE
This graphics package provides an easy means of generating data plots. To
use this software, copy all of the files into a sub-directory on your hard
disk. It is best to create a separate subdirectory for these programs. Then
type INSTALL and answer all questions. The programs will then be installed
and ready to use. Type in PLOTHELP and read the OVERVIEW topic, and then
run the demo program by typing in DEMO. Then run some of the example plots
as directed in PLOTHELP topic EXAMPLES. Beyond this brief introduction, read
the printed documentation and the help files.
Function: To generate plots of various types.
System requirements: IBM PC or compatible,
Graphics screen: Color Graphics Adapter
Enhanced Graphics Adapter
Hercules Monochrome Graphics
IBM PS/2 VGA
Memory: 512 K or more
Printer: Epson 8 or 24 pin
C. Itoh Prowriter
HP Laserjet
Dos: Version 3.0 or higher
Math Coprocessor: Not necessary, but used if present
Hard disk: Required
Plot types: Single line plots
Multiple line plots
Three dimensional perspective plots
X-Y plots
Scatter diagrams
Output: High resolution plot generation (up to approximately
2000 by 3000 pixels)
Low resolution screen dumps
Save screen plots to disk file
Plot disk files compatible with some word processors
Additional Features: Gallery program to review previously generated plots
Hidden line removal on three dimensional plots
Optional axis auto-scaling
Optional user-defined axis numbering and tic marks
Automatic conversion to log scale
Automatic error bars
Split screens (multiple plots per page)
Advantages: The programs are simple enough to plot a data file
with a single command, yet powerful enough to generate
extremely high-quality (textbook quality) plots on a
laser printer.
Virtually all plot characteristics may be user defined,
but default settings are included so that the user does
not need to bother with unnecessary details.
All plot commands may be entered on the DOS command line.
This allows a string of plot commands to be put in a
batch file for execution without requiring constant user
intervention.
Disadvanteges: Slow operation for some plots: For high-resolution
plots, the number of pixels which must be handled
can be tremendous. For example, a 2000 by 2500 pixel
laser printer plot will have five million pixels which
must be accounted for. On a basic 4.77 Mhz 8088
computer, handling this many pixels can take an
annoyingly long time. Even for a low-resolution plot,
a large data file and slow disk drive will slow things
down.
Relatively steep "learning curve": the software was
written to be very easy to use. This was accomplished
at the expense of making it less easy to learn. It is
hoped that the help files and demo will ease the novice's
difficulties.
Liability: The software is provided as is; the authors assume
no liability for any problems arising from its use
or misuse.
Documentation: Printed document
On-line help files
Licensing: Any user, registered or not, may use and distribute this
software at will, PROVIDED:
1) the software is not modified,
2) no part of the software may be sold for a charge
exceeding a nominal copying charge.
When copying the software, please distribute only the
original archived file (LASER.EXE). This ensures that
all users will obtain a full working copy.
Registration: If you find this software to be useful, a $35
contribution will be appreciated. Users contributing
this amount will receive:
- Program version supporting the math coprocessor
and the use of laser software fonts
- Printed documentation
- A few additional utilities which are useful in
conjunction with the plotting software; including
a curve fitting routine and an FFT (Fast Fourier
Transform) program.
Registration may be mailed to:
J. M. Baden
1500 Mill Creek Court
Marietta GA 30060