2_COLUMNS Version 1.03 (November 29, 1991)

by Dan Panke

2_COLUMNS was written in GFA Basic 3.5


2_COLUMNS is a very simple program written to save printer paper.
Here is the systematic process of 2_COLUMNS.

    STEP 1. 2_COLUMNS looks for a file called '2_COLUMN.INF'. If its
    found, 2_COLUMNS will assume this to be a new printer driver and
    load it accordingly. If the '2_COLUMN.INF' file is not found,
    2_COLUMNS uses a default setting which, hopefully, will work with
    your printer.

    STEP 2. You will be asked to select a text file to print via the
    fileselector.

    STEP 3. 2_COLUMNS scans the text file and removes all TABS and
    replaces them with 4 spaces. (NOTE: If you use TABS for spacing
    your text files, 2_COLUMNS may not print these files properly.)
    Form feeds are removed at this time as well. Text is also scanned
    to see if any lines exceed 80 characters in length. If any text
    line exceeds 80 characters an Alert Box will appear and ask you
    if you wish to continue or quit.

    STEP 4. 2_COLUMNS prints the text file. Once the file has been
    printed, 2_COLUMNS goes back to STEP 2.

NOTES:
    The '2_COLUMN.INF' listed file below is self-explanitory (It is
    also different from the default setting). You really shouldn't
    have any trouble modifying it with a text editor to suit any kind
    of printer. You may want to try dividing your paper in half pages.
    For example, most printers allow 66 lines per page. Set the
    printer driver to print 33 lines per page with spaces accordingly.



'2_COLUMN.INF' listing

Printer: OKIDATA MICROLINE 380 - 24 pin

The printer driver for 2_columns is simple. First we start with the
page spacing. Don't leave spaces at the front of valid command lines.
The '2_COLUMN.PRG' does not start any kind of input until a numeric
input is encountered at the start of a line.

3   TOP SPACING GAP (3 lines)
58  NUMBER OF TEXT LINES (58 lines)
5   BOTTOM SPACING GAP (5 lines)

Some kind of non-numeric gap must be left before giving the printer 
initialization code.

27  BEGIN COMPRESSED PROPORTIONAL SPACING
33
6
27  SET ONE TAB AT TAB SETTING 96 (Compressed Proportional on the
68  OKIDATA 380 allows 192 characters per line)
96
0

Another gap before giving the exit printer code.

27  RESET PRINTER TO DEFAULT VALUES
64

END... That's it!



If you have any comments, questions or suggestions, please feel free 
to contact me.

    Dan Panke
    3559 Trappers Road,
    Gloucester, Ontario
    Canada  K1T 2R1

    GEnie:  D.PANKE
    CompuServe:  73257,2635
    Delphi:  DPANKE


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