Can I send the printer output to a file and then later on print it on a Dot Matrix, Laser Printer or an Image Setter?
Ans.: For this you have to redirect the printer output to a file. This can be done by installing a new printer driver connected to “File”. In the Windows Control Panel click on the Printers icon. The Windows printer driver installation dialog box will appear. In that select the printer you want, press “Install”, and then “Connect” the destination to “File”. Select this Printer driver in your document and give the print command. Windows printer driver will now ask you for a file name. Give some file name, say MYFILE.PRN. Go to DOS, and from the DOS prompt, type COPY MYFILE.PRN LPT1 /B, to send the print file to the printer. Here the filename or the port, say LPT1 or LPT2 can be different depending on your setup. /B stands for Binary. In case of printers connected to COM1 or COM2 (e.g. Apple LaserWriter’s) necessary setting has to be made using the DOS MODE utility, for which refer to your printer manual.