Desk Top Publishing on the QL is a large, yet seldom broached subject for QL users. I hope in this column to be of some help in getting this subject known and in more use. There are several fairly good programs and tools available to us. I will be first telling what is available and from where.
I will list what programs are available (that I know of), price if known, and from where they are to be gotten, along with what is required in the way of hardware to run them. Next issue we will get more into the differences to be found between these programs and some tips on their use. Information from you the user is solicited, along with your questions.
The first known DTP program for the QL seems to have been FRONT PAGE, from Gap in England. This is set up to run from microdrive, and can be ran on an unexpanded QL. It is available from SHARP’S for $29.95 plus $1.00 P & H, and is also available from Mechanical Affinity for $22.00 with P & H included. This program may also be available from RMG, so you may want to check there also.
FRONT PAGE EXTRA III is similar to the above program, but is set up to run from either disk or microdrive and can make use of expanded memory. It can be purchased from SHARP’S for $34.95 plus $1.00 P & H. This may also be available from RMG, but not from Mechanical Affinity at this time. Both of these programs allow you to add pictures and graphics into your text, as well as vary your print style and size (font).
PAGE DESIGNER is a program that is part of the QUANTA library and can be purchased via their North American librarian, Paul Holmgren. This can be set up on microdrive, but runs best on disk as it makes use of numerous pictures, graphics and fonts. There is a slight charge from the librarian to cover expenses, so give him a call early in the evening at 317-291-6002 to inquire. I don’t know if this program needs memory expansion to run, as I have always used an expanded QL and never a 128K one with it.
PAGE DESIGNER 2 is the non public domain and polished version of the above program. I have yet to see this one in action, but it has been favorably reviewed in QL World magazine. It is available from SHARP’S for $59.95 plus $1.00 P & H.
DESKTOP PUBLISHER and DESKTOP PUBLISHER S. E. are available from SHARP’S for $45.95 and $79.95 respectively. The special edition (S. E.) requires disk drives to use.
PROFESSIONAL PUBLISHER by Digital Precision is considered by QL World to be the most extensive DTP for the QL. Many also consider it to be the most complex to learn, coming with a manual large enough to qualify as a book. I have used this enough to know that it can be put to at least some use by even beginners, but still let you know that there is a lot more to learn before becoming proficient at it. It does require disk drives and is available from SHARP’S for $99.95 plus $1.00 for P & H. This program, as well as DESKTOP PUBLISHER and DESKTOP PUBLISHER SPECIAL EDITION can also be purchased direct from Digital Precision Ltd., 222 The Avenue, London E4 9SE.
Perhaps the easiest way to combine text and graphics is to purchase the program Overdrive from SHARP’S for $24.95. This will allow you to add graphic symbols to your Quill files. I have usually seen this program listed under leisure in SHARP’S catalog which throws one off into thinking it is a game.
I have all but Page Designer 2 (which I am getting) so as I get more into these programs over the next few months I will be sharing with you what I find out. Send anything you wish to share or ask to UPDATE COMPUTER SYSTEMS, P. O. BOX 1095, PERU, IN 46970. See you next issue. All dealers listed in this article have ads in this issue. F. W. Davis