There are only a couple of limitations in using LaserWriter driver 7.x on the AppleShare Print Server 4.2.1 if a client computer is using LaserWriter driver 8.x. If LaserWriter driver 8.x compatibility was added to the AppleShare Print Server, it could potentially resolve most of these limitations though the print server must be changed to utilize information from the driver's feature and font query capability. AppleShare Print Server 4.2.1 has no additional support for PostScript Level 2 drivers than previous versions the print spooler software. Here is the list of limitations:
* Cannot use the "Auto Setup" feature of LaserWriter 8.x when using the Chooser to select a spooled printer. Users must manually select the appropriate PPD file and manually configure the RAM and paper handling options.
* Unable to obtain printer information using the "Printer Info" button in the Setup dialog of LaserWriter 8.x.
* When going through a spooler, the LaserWriter and Apple Printer Utilities only provide limited functionality, including the ability to send a PostScript file, print font samples, and restart the printer. To fully configure the printer via these utilities Choose the printer itself (note the AppleShare Print Server Bypass Printer option must be enabled to connect to the printer directly).
* When spooling LaserWriter 8.x print jobs two jobs will appear in the Spooler Queue window. (Only one job appears in the Spooler Queue window when printer a LaserWriter 7.x job.) The first job contains printer driver queries the driver may use to create the print job; the second job contains the PostScript data stream for the document itself.
Overall, the majority of features provided by LaserWriter driver 8.x are utilized regardless of LaserWriter driver 7.x being installed on the server. We have verified that the following features work:
* PostScript Level 2 code (just passed on to the printer by the server).
* PostScript FAX Support, including cover pages and captions.
* Selection of specific paper trays (correct PPD must be manually selected).
* Automatic Tray Switching.
* All print dialog "Options" (Printer Resolution, Color/grayscale, Tray switching, PostScript error reporting, FinePrint, Cover pages).
PostScript Level 2 support is being considered for future versions of the Print server software, however, there is no known date for this to happen.