How many printers will work with the following DOS command:
- Code: Select all
DIR c: >PRN
Not a great many unfortunately.
This is because modern printers expect Windows to do all the donkey work, and convert text to the commands to tell the printer where to print the ink on the paper.
If you have a DOS program which will run under a DOS box under Windows, then there are software solutions, such as QPCPrint for DOS which will capture the ouput intended for a printer supporting ESC/P2 Epson printer codes and convert this for printing to any printer connected under Windows. However, not every system is capable of running under Windows and that is where the problem lies.
Now we wonder if it would be possible to create a hardware based solution.
Basically, what we would like to see is a small box, running (say) Windows CE, which would connect to a computer's parallel port, take the Epson output sent to the parallel port, and then use the in-built QPCPrint for DOS to convert it to a Windows printer connected to the box itself. Theoretically, this would be possible - there would be no need for any graphics card, and only a small amount of memory to hold the document currently being printed. A USB port would be available for connecting a modern printer, and a network port which could be used to install a Windows printer driver onto the box.
Now all we need is someone to make it - I guess the main issue would be the cost of the operating system, unless Microsoft would get involved and offer a suitably cut down low cost version of Windows to put on this.