Media Share 9/MEDIASHARE_09.ISO/print/2col30.zip/2COL.DOC

Text File | 1992-04-10 | 19KB | 516 lines

                                 2col

                         Shareware Version 3.0

                      A Compressed Print Utility

                            Copyright 1992
                                  by

                          ARCaine Technology
                            960 Neilson St
                           Albany, CA 94706
                            [phone]

                          All Rights Reserved







Introduction

  2col prints an ASCII text file in two columns,each up to 80
  characters wide, on standard width paper. It eliminates
  consecutive blank lines and prints at 20 characters/inch.

  2col is designed to be extremely easy to use. The default settings
  will accommodate most printing needs. On most printers
  you can print a document by simply typing: 2COL [filename] <enter>
  For example, to print this manual type:2COL 2COL.DOC <enter>
  To see a demonstration of 2COL's many print modes you can
  type: DEMO2COL [9 or 24] <enter>

  2col is intended to greatly reduce the huge volume of paper that
  results from printing reference manuals and text files. Regular
  use of this program should cut your paper bill by 60 to 70
  percent. It provides excellent readability (unlike other
  compressed print programs) while compressing an average of
  four pages of source material onto one side of a sheet of
  paper. By using its even/odd alternate side print feature eight
  pages of text can be printed using both sides of a page. Since the
  normal draft mode of printing is used it is also much faster than
  those programs which rely on nonstandard print modes.

  By reducing the volume of paper, 2col also reduces storage
  requirements and the bulk one has to carry around when traveling.

  As a side benefit, many 2col users actually find it easier and
  faster to read the compressed versions than the originals because
  they can take in more words at one time without having to scan
  across the page.

  2col will optionally print in subscript mode - doubling the amount
  of text contained on a single sheet to a total of sixteen pages -
  with a significant loss in legibility and printing speed. This
  mode is intended mainly for archival use not for documents that
  will be read frequently.

  This program will work on most dot-matrix printers which provide
  17 characters/inch compressed printing but is especially intended
  for newer printers which have a compressed/elite mode (20 char/in)
  allowing two complete 80 character lines to be printed across the
  page. Printers which support 20 char/inch include:KXP1180,KXP1124,
  FX86, 200GX,LQ-series,etc.

  Since most printers do not show the 20 char/inch mode on the front
  panel, you should check the manual or just try printing with 2col.
  If your printer supports 20 char/in but does not operate properly
  with 2col, let me know and I will try to provide you with an
  updated version that is compatible with your printer.


IMPORTANT!

  The 20 char/in mode on many printers cannot be accessed by
  software if the DIP switches inside the printer are set for IBM
  mode. The printer MUST be set for the Epson/Standard mode. 2col
  will optionally supply the control characters to cause the full
  IBM character set to print. Also, your printer should have the
  auto linefeed switch turned off. If your printer has a front panel
  pitch control, it should be set to program mode.


24-Pin (LQ type) Printers

  To print this manual on a 24-pin printer, type:
  COPY 2COLLQ.DOC PRN <enter>

  2COLLQ.DOC is an output file generated by the registered version
  of 2COL. By printing this file, you can verify that your printer
  is compatible with 2COL. You can also test 24-pin printer support
  in the demo mode by typing:2COL -K -Q [filename] <enter>.

  I have not included 24-pin printer support in the unregistered
  version because, so far, this is the only way I have been able to
  get any registrations. Those with 24-pin printers can run the
  unregistered version, but will find that pages print too long. The
  registered version of 2col supports 24-pin printers. If you are in
  any way dissatisfied with 2COL you will promptly receive a full
  refund.


Registration

  I will keep improving the program if I know enough people are
  finding it useful.

  My registration policy is very flexible. The nominal fee is $20 US
  If you don't feel you will get $20 worth of use out of the
  program, send whatever it is worth to you. If you are impoverished
  and can't afford to pay anything, send me a stamped self-addressed
  envelope and I will send you a registered version of 2col.

  This is not freeware or public domain. Shareware is simply a means
  of marketing commercial software. You are required to register if
  you intend to use this program after a reasonable trial period.

  When registering, please tell me the version number you have and
  where you obtained your copy of 2col. Registration checks should
  be made payable to "Tony Caine".

  2col should be registered for the maximum number of copies that
  can be used simultaneously. Multi-site fees for commercial users
  can be negotiated.



Registered version features


* 24-Pin (LQ type) printer support.


* Automargin

   The automargin option is extremely useful for those who need to
   punch holes for binding. 2col scans the entire document before
   printing and, in effect, moves all the available "white space"
   from the center (and, if necessary,from the right margin) of the
   document to the left margin.

   To get an idea of how Automargin operates, type: 2COL 2COL.DOC
   <enter>. This will print with the default settings of 2col. Then
   type: 2COL 2COL.DOC -K -U8 <enter>. This will print a one page
   demo using automargin.

* Multiple document names

   Multiple document names and wildcards can be entered on the
   command line.


* Append

   When specifying multiple documents to print, registered users
   have the choice of starting each file at the beginning of a page
   or treating all documents as one continuous file without breaks.


* Redirection of output

   Registered users can choose to send the output to a disk file for
   later printing in background (while running other programs) or
   they can send to LPT2, COM1, COM2, etc.


* Pagefix

   Prints a specified number of pages per column retaining original
   line spacing and page breaks.


* The registration screen is eliminated, of course.



Terminology

  Since several pages from the original source file are combined
  onto a single page of printer output, there may be some confusion
  about the word "page." We will always refer to the original
  document pages as "source pages." What is actually printed will
  simply be called "pages."



Usage:

  2col  [options] path\filename [options] [path\filename]...


  Options may be specified in any order before and/or after the file
  name(s). Options MUST be separated from each other by spaces and
  preceded by a "-". Upper and lower case are interchangeable.




  Options are defined as follows:

   -Lxx = Each column will be xx lines long
   -Cxx = No more than xx consecutive blank lines will be printed
   -Sxx = Skip xx pages before starting to print
   -O   = Print only odd # pages
   -E   = Print only even # pages
   -Wxx = column width (number of characters in each column)
   -P   = Pause before printing each page.
   -N   = Prints filename and page # at lower left corner
   -D   = Delimit each (source) page with a line and page #
   -T   = Truncate long lines instead of wrap.
   -G   = Enable full IBM graphics set.
   -Fx  = Put a margin of x blank lines at the top of each page.
   -K   = Print a one page demo in registered mode.
 * -Mx  = Set left margin.(CAUTION:READ INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING)*


                *Options for registered users only*

   -Q   = 24-pin printer line spacing.
   -A   = Append multiple files.
   -Z   = Route output to disk.
   -Ux  = Scans file before printing and sets margins automatically.
   -Xx  = Print x pages/column preserving page breaks & format

  When more than 102 lines/page requested,shifts to subscript
  (half-height) mode. When column width is less than 69 chars,uses
  compressed mode (17 char/in.) When column width is greater than
  68 uses compressed/elite (20 char/in.)

  Defaults: 80 characters/column;88 lines/page;1 consecutive blank
           line; no pause before printing page; do not number pages;
           wrap (not truncate) long lines;4 blank lines at top of
           page.


Description of options


   -Lxxx

      Each column will contain xxx lines of data. Line spacing will
      be automatically adjusted to approximately fill the page.
      Characters will be normal (pica) height until more than 102
      lines/column are specified; printer will then shift to
      subscript mode allowing up to 220 lines/column. Default value
      is 88.


    -Cxx

      Pages of text frequently contain many blank lines of data.
      Experience has shown that most of these can be discarded
      without sacrificing readability. This option specifies that
      when there are more than xx consecutive blank lines, the
      excess will be discarded. If you set xx=66, 2col will print
      each page in its original format without discarding any blank
      lines. The default value is 1.


    -Sxx

      This feature is useful if you have a paper jam or decide to
      print part now and part later. Using this option will cause xx
      pages to be skipped before printing begins. For example,
      specifying "-S2" will cause printing to begin with page 3.


    -O

      This and the -E option allow you to print on both sides of
      each sheet of paper. By specifying "-O", only the odd numbered
      pages will be printed. When printing is complete,reload the
      first page back into the printer with the blank side facing
      the print head and rerun 2col using the -E option.


    -E

      Prints only even numbered pages. When using this option after
      the -O option be sure to shift the paper about 1/2 inch to the
      right before starting to print, to allow space for hole
      punching or other binding requirements.


    -Wxx

      This option specifies how wide each column will be. Wrapping
      or truncating will begin at this position. It also determines
      the print density. If xx is 68 or less, the printer will use
      compressed mode (137 characters across the page). If xx is 69
      or larger the printer will use compressed/elite (160
      characters/line). If your printer does not support
      compressed/elite and you try to use it, you will end up with a
      mess. You should then specify xx as 68 and decide whether you
      want to truncate long lines or wrap them. You may first want
      to use a word processor to do a word wrap since 2col will wrap
      in mid-word.


    -P

      Program will pause before printing each page. Hit any key to
      print a page. This option is useful if you are feeding single
      sheets to the printer.


    -N

      This will cause the filename and page number to be printed in
      the lower left-hand corner of each sheet. To avoid confusion
      when using the -S, -O and -E options the page numbering is not
      reset for each document when multiple documents are specified
      on the command line(registered version only).


    -D

      If you need to keep track of each source page, this option
      will print a dashed line with a page number in the middle
      whenever a form feed is encountered or after 66 lines of data.
      Experience has shown that this option will be rarely used
      because most documents either number their own pages or it is
      just not important to keep track of original page breaks.


    -T

      Normally when lines longer than the specified column width are
      encountered, 2col will wrap the data to the next line. If you
      prefer to truncate or discard excess characters on a line, you
      should invoke this option.



    -G

      Sends control codes to enable full IBM graphics set (ASCII
      128-255). The graphics set includes line drawing characters
      and foreign alphabets.




    -Fx

      2col will insert x blank lines at the top of each page before
      printing. The default is 4.


    -Mx

      CAUTION: IMPROPER USE OF THIS OPTION WILL CAUSE YOUR PRINTER
      TO PRINT PAST THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE.

      This command sets the left margin x spaces from the edge of
      the page. Default is 0. Use this option with caution! Most
      standard width printers only have 160 print positions across
      the page. If you insert spaces with a margin command, the
      printer will wrap characters that go past the 160th print
      position to the left side of the page, causing  extra lines
      to be inserted. If you use a left margin of 5, for example,
      you might have to set the column width to -W77 to prevent
      wraparound (this is only necessary if printable characters
      would be pushed past the 160th column- blanks don't matter).

      The easiest way to achieve a left margin without having to
      worry about characters wrapping is to use the Automargin
      option (-Ux) described below.

      Given the limitations of standard width printers, it is
      suggested that you permanently shift your paper several spaces
      to the left. You can adjust your word processor margin
      settings to compensate, so that normal printing will be
      unaffected.


    -K

      Including this option on the command line allows any
      registered option listed below to be used, but only for a
      one page demo. This option allows you to explore the
      options available to registered users.



      ***Options below are only in the registered version of 2col***

    -Q

      Adjusts line spacing for 24-pin printers.


    -A

      When multiple files are specified on the command line
      (registered version only) you have the option of either
      starting a new page for each file (default) or appending them
      as though they were one continuous file. The -A option causes
      them to be appended.


    -Ux

      The aUtomargin function allows you to obtain as much margin as
      possible according to the format of the document. 2col scans
      the entire document before printing and adjusts the column
      width to gain as much space on the print line as possible.
      The space obtained is allocated to the left margin until the x
      value you entered is reached. The remaining space, if any, is
      then added to the right margin.

      If you have specified the -E option (to print on the reverse
      side of the page), the first available space is used to create
      a right margin (for binding) rather than a left margin.


    -Zfilename

      Allows output to be routed to a file instead of to the
      printer. The file can then be printed in background while
      running other programs. For example, to send output to a file
      called PRINT.TXT, you should include -ZPRINT.TXT on the
      command line.If PRINT.TXT does not exist, it will be created.
      If PRINT.TXT already exists, 2col output will be appended to
      the end of the file. This command is only active in the
      registered version of 2col. This option can also be used to
      redirect output to LPT2, COM1, COM2, etc.


   -Xx

      Prints exactly x pages in each column preserving original page
      breaks and not suppressing consecutive blank lines. Thus the
      original page formatting is maintained. Allowed range of x
      is 1-3.
                         -X option page formats:

             x=1                  x=2               x=3

           111 222              111 333           111 444
           111 222              111 333           111 444
           111 222              111 333
           111 222                                222 555
           111 222                                222 555
           111 222              222 444
           111 222              222 444           333 666
           111 222              222 444           333 666



Examples:

2COL 2COL.DOC -L102 <enter>  will print 102 lines/column

2COL 2COL.DOC -L102 -N will print 102 lines/column and number pages.

2COL 2COL.DOC -G -N  will number pages and enable IBM graphics set.




Using 2COL with a word processor

    2COL will not work with most word processor documents in their
    original form; but most word processors have what is called an
    ASCII output or DOS output mode which 2COL will work with.

    For example, with WordPerfect, you can create a 2COL usable
    file with the sequence: Control-F5,1,Save.


Suggested Usage with most often used options

    Create a batch file named "2.bat" containing a call for 2col
    with your most often used options as part of the command line.
    You need then only type "2" followed by the filename you wish to
    print. You could also include options you wish to add or
    override as part of the call. For example 2.bat might contain
    the following line:

      2col -G -N -L96 %1 %2 %3 %4

    (%2 %3 %4 are there in case you enter options or additional
    fileneames)

    The above set of options would cause each page to be 96 lines
    long and numbered at the bottom. IBM graphics characters would
    also print.


Distribution

    Permission is hereby given to copy and distribute this program
    as long as no fee other than a minimal (<$10) handling cost is
    charged. Please include all files in their original unmodified
    form when distributing this program.


Ye olde disclaimer

    The author has made all good faith attempts to provide a
    reliable product. But there are no guarantees expressed or
    implied that this program will work perfectly (or indeed at all)
    or that it won't cause your data or hardware to self destruct.
    If you are a registered user and become dissatisfied with the
    program for any reason, I will be glad to refund your
    registration fee but will not be liable for any damage(s)
    whatever resulting from the use of this program.


                                                     -Tony Caine-

GEnie mail:A.CAINE