Impression (software)
Developer(s) | Computer Concepts |
---|---|
Initial release | |
Written in | Assembly language (inline via BBC BASIC) |
Operating system | RISC OS |
Type | Desktop publishing |
License | Proprietary commercial software |
In computing, Impression is a desktop publishing application for RISC OS systems. It was developed by Computer Concepts and released around 1989.[1]
The software was one of two packages recommended for use in primary teaching in the 1996 book Opportunities for English in the Primary School.[2] It has been considered one of the most important applications in the history of the RISC OS platform.[3]
Also available were enhanced (Impression Publisher and Impression Publisher Plus) and cut-down versions (Impression Junior and Impression Style). A 32-bit conversion and improvement project initiated in 2003 was named Impression-X.
Development
A project to produce a fully 32-bit compliant version (compatible with the Iyonix PC and later ARM hardware) was announced by X-Ample Technology in 2003.[4][5] This was named Impression-X.[4] In 2004 it was explained that the process of 32-bitting was being complicated partly because of "the massive number of optimisation and 'tricks' Computer Concepts used".[6] In 2005, Drobe editor Chris Williams suggested handing the project over to another party to complete.[7] After only another 10 years, Impression-X was released in May 2015, and is now available from the PlingStore.[8]
Features
A document loader for Impression files was included with the 2.60 release of desktop publishing application Ovation Pro in 2000.[specify][9][10]
The software was copy protected via a dongle.[11]
References
- ^ "Impression 20 years ago". Risc World. 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Michael Lockwood (1996). Opportunities for English in the Primary School. Trentham Books. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-85856-046-5.
- ^ Mellor, Phil (23 March 2007). "An arbitrary number of possibly influential RISC OS things". The Icon Bar. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ a b Williams. Chris (4 Oct 2003). "X-Ample touts 32bit Impression". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Goodwin, Richard (4 October 2003). "Impression DTP - the return". The Icon Bar. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Williams. Chris (30 Oct 2004). "Dude, where's my Impression-X?". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Williams. Chris (15 March 2005). "Light at end of Impression-X tunnel". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
- ^ Hudd, Vince M (5 May 2015). "Impression-X on !Store and in Holland". RISCOSitory. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
- ^ Williams. Chris (24 November 2000). "OvationPro Publisher Pack: Drobe looks at the new features of the DTP". Drobe. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
- ^ Previous Drobe article published 24 November 2000
- ^ Tomkinson, Mike (November 1997). "Hardware on the move". Acorn User. Retrieved 27 October 2013.