Why Desktop Publishing Is Right for Some Scientists, Wrong for Others

For anyone who has spent hours with pen in hand, poring over a word-processed scientific manuscript and filling in a multitude of blanks with equations and complicated graphs, the latest generation of desktop publishing software may sound like a dream come true. After all, some of these programs combine an array of capabilities that can make the operator the equivalent of a typesetter and layout artist. They allow the fluent integration of different functions— spreadsheets, word processor

Written byDiana Gabaldon

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But don’t throw out your Rapidograph pen just yet Desktop publishing is a great computer application, but it requires a substantial investment in time and equipment. The expense and effort may be worth it if you often produce manuscripts that include complex graphics, lots of tables, or embedded equations; lengthy manuscripts that require different formats for different sections; manyreports in a standard format or camera-ready manuscripts, such as internal reports or limited-distribution publications. The software itself is costly, and keep in mind that if you intend to produce really classy-looking camera-ready materials, you’ll probably need a laser printer that will set you back $1,000.

Now, if you do want the very best-looking documents and you are willing to pay the price—you might be able to toss away your Rapidograph pen after all One widely accepted desktop publishing program on the market today for IBM and compatible machines is Ventura, which ...

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