Impression (software)

Impression
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.[9][10]

The software was copy protected via a dongle.[11]

References

  1. ↑ "Impression 20 years ago". Risc World. 2009. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  2. ↑ Michael Lockwood (1996). Opportunities for English in the Primary School. Trentham Books. p. 124. ISBN 978-1-85856-046-5.
  3. ↑ Mellor, Phil (23 March 2007). "An arbitrary number of possibly influential RISC OS things". The Icon Bar. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  4. 1 2 Williams. Chris (4 Oct 2003). "X-Ample touts 32bit Impression". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  5. ↑ Goodwin, Richard (4 October 2003). "Impression DTP - the return". The Icon Bar. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  6. ↑ Williams. Chris (30 Oct 2004). "Dude, where's my Impression-X?". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  7. ↑ Williams. Chris (15 March 2005). "Light at end of Impression-X tunnel". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  8. ↑ Hudd, Vince M (5 May 2015). "Impression-X on !Store and in Holland". RISCOSitory. Retrieved 8 May 2015.
  9. ↑ Williams. Chris (24 November 2000). "OvationPro Publisher Pack: Drobe looks at the new features of the DTP". Drobe. Retrieved 30 April 2016.
  10. ↑ Previous Drobe article published 24 November 2000
  11. ↑ Tomkinson, Mike (November 1997). "Hardware on the move". Acorn User. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
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