Gemini Industries Printer User-Patching Your Software Program, Software Patching Setvices

Putting Gemini to Work

Even without “mastering” BASIC, you’ll be able to work wonders with Gemini, a.syou’ve already learned in this chapter.

User-Patching Your Software Program

“Patching” is the term used to describe making changes in an existing word processing program so that it can make fuller use of Gemini’s capabilities. To accomplish patching, refer to your word processing software user’s manual. The manual should have a listing that demonstrates “user-patchable” changes you can make in the program.

A word of warning: You need to be computer-wise to successfully patch an existing word processing program. Before you start, it’s probably a good idea to make a copy of your word processing program and attempt patching the copy. That way, if you make an error, you’re only out the time you invested and haven’t hurt the “original?

Software Patching Setvices

Another solution to the problem of software/printer incompatibility is to turn to one of the “softwarerecycling” services that advertise in hobbyist computing publications.

For a modest sum, they will “recycle” your software by performing the patching operation for you. Many of these services invite you to mail them your word processing software (and, of course, a check), and they’ll send you back a “tailored-to-fit” program on your same diskette(s).

The Creative Solution

If you made it through the program listed in Figure 5-1,you should be able to create a simple program that serves as

“YourOwn Word Processing Software System.”

(The title’s a bit long; you can always “word process” it to something short and snappy.) Even if you didn’t successfully execute the sample program, don’t be afraid of trying this task. Remember: You may never know if you can do something unless you try.

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