Date   : Sun, 28 Dec 1986 1237:00
From   : Sold - but we have others <binder%fizbin.DEC@decwrl.dec.com>
Subject: Re: Printer filter

Shawn Miner asks:

> ...I need a filter between the output of a word processor, and a letter
> quality printer.  The problem is that I need to do foreign language text
> processing such as the ' over another character, the umlaut etc.  This
> requires that the printer strike, backspace, and strike again.  Neat trick,
> except that the word processor will count this as three characters, and
> justify accordingly...Anyone had to 'deal' with this problem?  And /or know
> of an existing program that will filter the text for me?  Any help will be
> much apppreciated. 

I do what you're talking about frequently - probably on a daily basis.  A
simple filter may be a cheap way to deal with your problem, but it's a
band-aid, and it is guaranteed to get in your way more than it helps out. 
What you might think about instead is investing in a better word processor. 

A good word processor will *not* count a char-<BS>-char sequence as three 
characters and misjustify the output.  I use WordStar, and WS handles this
function quite well.  In the WS installation sequence, you can tell WS about 
your printer:

a.  Backspacing printer - able to backspace and overstrike the same character

b.  Non-backspacing printer - print the entire line and issue <CR> without
    accompanying <LF>, then restrike all overstruck character positions on
    the line

When editing, you enter the backspace command the same way regardless of how 
your printer is installed, and WS figures out how to print things.

WordStar is disgustingly cheap at present, at least in its IBM or Apple CP/M 
incarnations - something like $120 will get you WS Professional, which 
includes Spellstar, MailMerge, and StarIndex.  Sure, there are *nicer* WP 
packages available now, but WS is still about the most powerful one around.
If WS isn't to your liking, try some of the other good WPs, such as Paper 
Clip or WordPerfect.

Cheers,
Dick Binder   (The Stainless Steel Rat)

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