Saturday, July 14, 2012

How to set default printer in Linux or Unix

If you are using terminal setup in Unix systems like Linux, you can configure your default printer by:

1. csh shell version (by editing ~/.cshrc or ~/.tcshrc configuration files%2y
setenv PRINTER your-printer-name
2. bash shell version (by editing ~/.bashrc configuration file)
export PRINTER=your-printer-name

Saturday, July 7, 2012

How to generate PS file in Windows environment

In order to create a Postscript (PS) file from Windows applications: simply print from the application, selecting a postscript printer and using the printing option "print to file".

A dialog box will open, allowing you to choose the folder in which you wish to create the PostScript file. Choose a name for the file (a .prn extension will be appended to the filename). When you select Save, the printer driver will save the Postscript file in the location you select instead of actually sending the postscript file to the printer. You may need to change the file extension to .ps after file is generated.

However, very likely, using the printer driver for your own printer will result in files that are targeted at that printer, and hence not completely portable. To achieve portability, you will need to install and use another printer driver. Also you may not have any postscript printer with you at the moment. The solution to this is to install a virtual postscript printer, i.e. install printer drivers without actually having the corresponding printer.

Friday, July 6, 2012

Ctrl-Shift-Eject lock Mac screen

The Ctrl-Shift-Eject shortcut key is useful for Mac users to put the Mac to sleep mode and password protected. This is something like the Ctrl-Alt-Delete feature in Windows which locks the Mac screen. Users will need to key in password in order to access the Mac again.