GhostScript is a software PostScript interpreter, suitable for reading all output from graphical software and drive low-level printers or big inkjet plotters with results comparable to professional, high-cost RIP. The original GhostScript runs on many machines and is copyright from Aladdin Enterprises (http://www.aladdin.com): release 3.33 is part of GNU software distribution. See Distribution below for more infos.
Installation
If you're able to read this note, you've just made most of the installation: see below for more possibilities. For optimal use, install the Printer Description file (GhostScript v51.0) into the Printer Description folder inside System Folder:Extensions. The software is an application: this means that, in order to print, you must launch it and keeping it active while printing.
Connection
Open the Configure port dialog and choose the printer that resembles your printer: you can directly drive serial printers, choosing the right speed, or connect parallel printers via a serial-to-parralel converter (available separately). The High resolution checkbox is actually not used.
Use
The user has many possibilities to input a PostScript (PS) or, better, an Encapsulated PostScript (EPS) file and print it with GhostScript: the simpler, and less powerful, is to drag an EPS file into the GhostScript Spool folder inside System Folder. Of course, you can make an alias to this folder to have it at hand. Or, you can choose the file from inside the software and setting some parameters.
For professional results, you can calibrate the printer output in Preferences dialog: clicking the color curve with Command key you'll add control points to modify the curve the software will use when printing. Clicking with Option key deletes the control points. Inserting values into the Resolution and Paper size box will override the defaults, while leaving them at 0 will use last settings.
Fonts
The software comes without fonts: to get some you can fetch from GNU GhostScript sites at prep.ai.mit.edu and its mirrors, copying them and the accompanying Fontmap file to the fonts folder. An alternative way is using your existing PostScript fonts: drag them on the Font Converter software inside the fonts folder (don't move it nor the Fontmap file) to transform in a format readable by the software and make GhostScript aware of them.
Distribution
You can find the details of the GNU distribution in the COPYING file included with the release: basically, it states that the user has the right to use and copy the software at its will, but without any support from any of the authors. I want to follow the support and development of the Mac version, that's why I'm asking a US$ 20 fee. This way, I'll have the possibility to help you find the right solution for your printer and follow with better and more powerful releases of the software. Use the Register application included to register yourself: I'll support you for every need, send you a more extensive documentation with already set calibration files for most common printers and give you access to the source code of the modifications I've made, to help you expand by yourself the software.
