Article Abstract:
Slow file transfers are a continuing problem for electronic publishers. Ever-increasing file sizes hog bandwidth and slow down entire networks. For Macintosh networks, some relief can be found with simple tools. Symantec's Norton DiskDoubler Pro has a file-transfer utility, called CopyDoubler, that transfer files two or three times faster than the Macintosh Finder. RUN's RunShare takes advantage of idle bandwidth to speed up transfers of large Mac files on all kinds of networks. The AG Group's Nok Nok A S for AppleShare networks will automatically disconnect users who have been connected to the server for too long. Simple hardware solutions include Transoft's SCSI-Net III, a box with seven SCSI ports that allows up to six Macs share data from up to seven SCSI devices. Ethernet switches, such as Grand Junction Network's FastSwitch family, are a slightly more sophisticated solution. Still more complex is Sonic Solutions' MediaNet, which requires installing NuBus cards on Mac servers and workstations.
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Article Abstract:
A variety of specialized software packages facilitate time-tracking and billing for creative professionals. Such people often have little time to devote to the business side of their profession. It is important, though, to do good record keeping of expenses for both billing and tax purposes and to provide professional-looking invoices to spur prompt payment. Time-tracking applications provide such capabilities as logging and stopwatch functions for one or more activities, charge calculation, accounting functions, and report and graph output. Billing tool capabilities include customizable invoice templates, automatic entry of a variety of data, and reports. The most powerful tools are ones that combine both time-tracking and billing functions. There are some applications that are tailored for specialized creative activities. A variety of exemplifying programs are described.
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Article Abstract:
Prepress and graphic arts work is often done on a network, but some common problems can cause serious bottlenecks. Many of these problems can be overcome without having to rebuild the entire network. One growing prepress service recognized that its 10Base-T Ethernet network was too slow for handling large graphics files. After considering switched networking and Fast Ethernet, the company found an inexpensive solution with Run Graphics' RunShare, priced at $399 for two users, up to $2,499 for 25 users. RunShare is a system extension that speeds up file transfers by decreasing the idle gaps between AppleTalk packets. Other solutions included installing a segmented Ethernet hub along with a Fast Ethernet hub for higher-performance workstations, or installing switching hubs to support Fast Ethernet, FDDI and ATM.
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