Raw Print Server

The Raw Print Server project is a software that acts as a "Socket API" or "AppSocket" print server, allowing a computer to perform these functions. This would not have been possible without Sam Rushing's asyncore module and Steve Holden's explanation of the module in his book "Python Web Programming." Guido van Rossum's Python has likewise been instrumental in making the software possible, while Mark Hammond's win32all modules are essential components of the Windows version of the print server.

This software is currently on version 0.1. There are no installation instructions available yet, but an install script is planned for future versions. For now, installing the software is done manually, and users will need a working Python 2.x system to execute the print server. If the user is working within a Windows environment, a set of win32all modules will be necessary, while a PyGTK module set is required to run the GUI properties program. Windows users will also need to find a compatible GTK+ runtime.

Obtaining the necessary components for the software is left up to the user, although users running recent versions of Linux or BSD family systems will likely be able to find what they need on their original installation media or through distribution websites. Windows users, on the other hand, will need to download a recent Python build from www.python.org and the win32all downloads from Sourceforge. Once complete, users can then download the necessary PyGTK files from www.pygtk.org, although they should note that the GTK libraries used for the Gimp might not work with PyGTK.

This release includes a close printer function, making it easier to use. Overall, this software is an excellent tool for those who need a raw print server and are willing to take the time to set it up manually. Its reliance on external components may be an annoyance, but the powerful asyncore module makes it worth the effort to acquire the necessary components.