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From: mrm@homxc.UUCP (M.MOROSES)
Newsgroups: comp.unix.questions
Subject: Re: troff previewer for AT&T 5620
Message-ID: <544@homxc.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 23-Jun-87 12:04:55 EDT
Article-I.D.: homxc.544
Posted: Tue Jun 23 12:04:55 1987
Date-Received: Thu, 25-Jun-87 06:18:11 EDT
References: <7863@brl-adm.ARPA> <5991@brl-smoke.ARPA> <3179@pyramid.UUCP>
Organization: AT&T Bell Laboratories, Holmdel
Lines: 43
Summary: Au contrare ...

In article <3179@pyramid.UUCP>, csg@pyramid.UUCP (Carl S. Gutekunst) writes:
> >>Does anyone know if troff output can be previewed on an AT&T 5620?
> >
> >Yes, there is a software package called "5620 DMD Text & Graphics" that
> >includes the "proof" troff postprocessor, for viewing troff output, and
> >"cip", an interactive pic-file editor.
> 
> Before you plunk down your hard-earned cash, be aware of the following:
> 
> - You'll need DWB 2.0.
> 
> - proof(1) does *not* understand the line drawing functions; hence it cannot
>   display pic(1) data or cip(1) output.

    No. I have used proof in the past, and it displays "pic" figures quite
        nicely.
> 
> - cip(1) is a reasonably useful visual frontend for pic(1). . .
> 
> - As provided by AT&T in version 2.0, one critical font file is broken, and
>   proof(1) regularly crashes the DMD and hoses the serial line. (On the 3B it
>   meant running to the console to manually kill stranded processes ...

    I never had any such problems.
> 
> All in all, proof(1) and cip(1) were so irritating to use that our Tech Pubs
> people preferred to waste paper on the laser printer. On the other hand, we
> have customers who think proof(1) and cip(1) are the neatest thing since
> sliced bread. So, if you get a chance to try before you buy, please do. We
> didn't like it; maybe you will. BTW, price is $2000 for source, $200 for bin.

    I switched a few months ago from a 5620 to a PC.  I'm *still* looking
for the PC-equivalent of proof (previewing troff output) and I've yet
to find anything close.  I guess it depends on how close your laser printer
is, and how many printer-hogs are contending for it!

> 
> <csg>

  <mrm>

-- 
Michael R. Moroses   AT&T Bell Laboratories  ihnp4!homxc!mrm