Host Based vs. PCL Driver - HP LaserJet 5L
(Last modified: 08Jul1996)
This document (673304) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.
Issue
The HP LaserJet 5L Printing System software is basically two different printer drivers with one installer:
-The HPPCL5G 1.1 driver is the same PCL driver used in the HP LaserJet 5P printer with modifications.
-The NEW Host-Based (HB) Version A driver provides speed and enhancements not possible in the PCL driver. The Host-Based software uses the personal computer (PC) to process the print commands and rasterize the data, taking advantage of the PCs memory and processing power. Only a rasterized data image is sent to the printer speeding up the print time and reducing the number of "out of memory" problems. The HB driver is faster than the PCL driver and because it uses the PCs resources, a user can upgrade their PC memory for better system performance. If you meet minimum system requirements, using the Host Based driver is recommended.
-The HP FontSmart font management application program is provided in addition to the HP LaserJet 5L Printing System to limited channels of distribution as a promotional product incentive. HP FontSmart is a separate, completely stand-alone, product. It is not available in all areas or languages.
Platforms (Operating Systems) Supported
* Microsoft Windows v. 3.1 and 3.11
* Microsoft Windows for Workgroups v. 3.1 and 3.11
* Windows 95 software
Minimum System Requirements for PCL driver:
-DOS v. 5.0
-386 processor or greater
-2 MB RAM
-Disk space: approx. 2.72 Mbytes
Minimum System Requirements for Host Based driver:
-DOS v. 5.0
-486 processor or greater
-8 MB RAM
-HP LaserJet 5L printer with Bidirectional Communication (printer must be powered on).
-Disk space: approx. 3.18 Mbytes
-Windows in 386 Enhanced Mode
-Not on a Network
-Not on Windows 95 software (The HB driver that ships in the box with the HP LaserJet 5L printer will NOT be supported in Windows 95 software. Currently, users of Windows 95 software will need to use the PCL driver instead. A second release of the HB driver will fully support Windows 95 software and should be ready by late fall 1995. Users should check with HP directly for availability).
Coexistence, Constraints, and Solutions
-Only one Host Based driver and printer combination can be installed on a PC host at a time.
-Two HP LaserJet 5L printers can be attached to the same host on different ports (LPT1, LPT2). One printer can use the Host Based driver and the second printer must use the PCL driver.
-All versions of the PCL Status Windows should be de-installed or disabled before installing the Host Based driver to prevent the "Can't find the 5L printer" message.
-The Host Based driver CANNOT print to "FILE" or "LPTx.DOS." The HB driver requires a directly connected printer. Use the PCL driver for this function. Setting the HB driver to "FILE" or "LPTx.DOS" through Control Panel, Printers, Connection) may require reinstallation of the printer software.
-Use the PCL driver to resolve compatibility issues between the Host Based driver and older HP LaserJet printers.
-Printing to an HP LaserJet 5L printer across the Network is not supported with the Host Based driver. Use the PCL driver.
-Using the Host Based driver to print to another Host Based printer (non-HP) will not work.
-To remove the Host Based driver, always use the "Uninstall" icon in the "HP LaserJet 5L" program group.
-When using the PCL driver, select the PCL Print Quality driver setting for Graphics Mode = "Raster" to match Host Based output.
document
| Document Title: | Host Based vs. PCL Driver - HP LaserJet 5L |
| Document ID: | 673304 |
| Creation Date: | 19Dec1995 |
| Modified Date: | 08Jul1996 |
| Revision: | 1 |
| Novell Product Class: | NetWare Other |
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