Path: utzoo!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!samsung!usc!rpi!uupsi!cci632!ritcsh!ultb!jjwcmp From: jjwcmp@isc.rit.edu (Jeff Wasilko) Newsgroups: comp.lang.postscript Subject: Re: postscript accounting Message-ID: <1991Mar13.025331.20324@isc.rit.edu> Date: 13 Mar 91 02:53:31 GMT References: Distribution: comp Organization: RIT Communications Lines: 67 In article yxoc@cs.uni-sb.de (Ralf Treinen) writes: >Sorry if this is a dumb question, I do not (yet) know anything about >postscript (crazy, but true). > >We are going to buy a postscript printer and would like to monitor the >usage of the printer. For this purpose we would like to have a tool that >is able to count the pages of a postscript file. Does this make any sense >to you? Can you tell me how to write/get such a thing? > If you are only accessing your printer from Macs (or any other system that can include a chooser name in the file), I have a perfect solution. We use a Product called NetCounter to keep unauthorized people from using our L300/RIP 4. NetCounter installs as RIP resident software, and starts up on its own each time the RIP is rebooted. With NetCounter, you can either make a list of authorized users, or make a list of people to barr from using the printer. Unauthorized users get a message back from the printer to the effect of 'You are not authorized to use this printer.' NetCounter also keeps a per user accounting log, listing # of pages per user. Unfortunatly, it doesn't keep track of page size... We had a bit of a problem with NetCounter conflicting with RIPMaster (another piece of RIP resident software), and Herb was very quick to fix it. As I recall, RIPMaster cost around $70 USD, and it is licesnsed for all printers in a zone. Quite a deal! Here's a blurb Herb (the author) sent me... For controlling access to the LaserWriter(s) you probably want NetCounter (TM). This software will allow you to restrict access to the printers, and it will automatically reload itself (if you install a patched LaserPrep on all machines). In addition, it will keep track of the number of pages printed by each user (but this count will NOT be saved if the power fails, unless you have a hard disk on the printer). Also, it will protect your printer from the Trojan Horse that changes the password. NetCounter is distributed by Prism Enterprises (301) 604-6611. If you have any further questions that Prism can not answer for you, feel free to contact me. Disclaimer: I am the author of NetCounter. Herb Weiner (herbw@wiskit.pdx.com) Jeff (Just a happy customer) -- | RIT VAX/VMS Systems: | Jeff Wasilko | RIT Ultrix Systems: | |BITNET: jjwcmp@ritvax +----------------------+ INET:jjwcmp@ultb.isc.rit.edu| |INTERNET: jjwcmp@ritvax.rit.edu |____UUCP:jjwcmp@ultb.UUCP____| |Ask me about the Desktop Publishing Mailing list -- All platforms welcome. | -- | RIT VAX/VMS Systems: | Jeff Wasilko | RIT Ultrix Systems: | |BITNET: jjwcmp@ritvax +----------------------+ INET:jjwcmp@ultb.isc.rit.edu| |INTERNET: jjwcmp@ritvax.rit.edu |____UUCP:jjwcmp@ultb.UUCP____| |Ask me about the Desktop Publishing Mailing list -- All platforms welcome. |