Before a translation can take place, the files need to be moved from the System 38 to the Macintosh. This can be accomplished with Andrew Corp., IDEAssociates, or Wall Data products which are a combination of hardware and software that lets the Macintosh become a window in the System 38. These product provides file transfer methods to move the files from the System 38 to the Macintosh.
If the System 38 files are in an RFT/DCA file format, there are translation applications that convert to a MacWrite or Microsoft Word file format. Quark XPress can then open the MacWrite or Microsoft Word file for placement in the page layout.
Apple File Exchange provides one method of translation with the supplied documents. This is a basic RFT/DCA translator. Another method is to use Microsoft Word; it has its own mechanism for reading RFT/DCA files. Again, this is a basic translator. Also, DataViz publishes MacLink Plus/Translators that translates RFT/DCA files. Use of the DataViz AFE translators is probably the most comprehensive translation available.
If the System 38 files are not in an RFT/DCA format, it is not likely that the files can be transferred and translated while maintaining text style and formatting. A plain text file normally is all that is available if the RFT/DCA format is not used on the System 38.
In summary, first transfer the file from the System 38 to the Macintosh via the one of the terminal emulator products. Next, use one of the translation products to convert the transferred file into a MacWrite or Microsoft Word file format. Finally, open the translated file with Quark XPress and place the contents of the file in the layout.
To locate a vendor's address and phone numbers, use the vendor name as a search string.
Article Change History:
30 Aug 1994 - Updated list of terminal emulator vendors.
12 Feb 1993 - Updated KMW now Andrew Corporation.
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