Ira:
While my idea seeding note said "Linux" it is not unreasonable to extend that to
all of Unix. As I am sure you are aware, the Unix print architecture leaves a
lot to be desired:
- no standard GUI
- each application generates the print datastreams
- datastream transforms via "hacks" like ghostscript
- lack of integration between the printer's status and configuration and print
stream generation
When one looks at the printing model for Windows and the Macintosh, it is
obvious to me that Unix/Linux has failed to move forward to provide the full
functionality and ease of use that Windows and Mac have provided.
Hence the question: Is there some standardization work the PWG can do to
facilitate improvement of Linux/Unix printing?
**********************************************
* Don Wright don at lexmark.com *
* Director, Strategic & Technical Alliances *
* Lexmark International *
* 740 New Circle Rd *
* Lexington, Ky 40550 *
* 606-232-4808 (phone) 606-232-6740 (fax) *
**********************************************
imcdonal%sdsp.mc.xerox.com at interlock.lexmark.com on 08/19/99 12:14:14 AM
To: Don Wright at LEXMARK, jkm%underscore.com at interlock.lexmark.com
cc: pwg-announce%pwg.org at interlock.lexmark.com
Subject: Re: PWG-ANNOUNCE> Future work of the PWG
Hi Don and Jay,
OK - I'll bite. What does the fact that the platform happens
to be Linux have to do with how printing works?
And although I've often urged telecons for those not present
at PWG monthly meetings, I've finally abandoned the idea -
because while good conference phones exist they *never* seem
to be in place in the PWG meeting room - so everyone out on
the net can hear each other just fine and spends the whole
time trying to figure out what anyone in the PWG meeting
room is saying.
But I'm glad to hear you folks plan to have a 'brainstorming'
session in September. The idea is good. It's the execution
that could use some creative and *practical* ideas (an example
of an *impractical* idea is for everyone active in the PWG
to agree on one piece of collaborative software and then
throw away any of their own systems or operating systems
that don't fit it, just for the ephemeral benefits of
'electronic collaboration' - my opinion, of course).
Cheers,
- Ira McDonald
High North Inc
906-494-2697/2434 (home/office)