Figure 8-4.—The components of a typical desktop publishing system: personal computer, laser printer, scanner, mouse and software.
hardware and software are suitable replacements for
talent and skill, become complacent in the basic
principles of layout and makeup. In turn, they produce
page layouts you would only see in your worst
nightmares. Make sure you follow the long-established
rules of layout and makeup covered later in this chapter.
In addition, you should apply some forethought
when selecting your computer hardware and software.
On occasion, some hardware components will not
function properly with others, and there are some word
processing programs that will not work well with certain
desktop publishing programs. If you are purchasing a
new system, make sure you get satisfactory answers to
questions about compatibility.
DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE
LEARNING OBJECTIVE: Identify the most
common desktop publishing software and
determine their basic features.
There are several desktop publishing software
programs for both Macintosh and PC-based computer
systems. You should be aware that although these
programs are similar in terms of overall operation, they
vary widely in their capabilities and functions.
For instance, less elaborate desktop publishing
programs are mainly suited for simple pamphlets and
brochures, while more complex versions include
advanced features, such as indexing, style sheets and
typographic operations you can use to control the
spacing of single characters.
NOTE: Reference to the following desktop
publishing programs does not constitute endorsement
by NETPMSA or the U.S. Navy.
Some of the more common desktop publishing
software packages available include the following:
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Aldus PageMaker
Finesse (PC compatibles only)
Interleaf Publisher
Legacy (PC compatibles only)
QuarkXPress (Macintosh only)
Ready, Set, Go (Macintosh only)
Ventura Publisher
Since new desktop publishing software programs
(and newer versions of existing programs) are
introduced to the marketplace frequently, you should
research the features of as many programs as possible.
As stated previously, make sure the program is
compatible with your hardware. It should be able to
convert files from your current word processing
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