User:Trevj/Impression (software)

Developer(s)Computer Concepts
Initial release ()
Written inAssembly language (inline via BBC BASIC)
Operating systemRISC OS
TypeDesktop publishing
LicenseProprietary 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

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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] As of 2013, this project has been taken up by another RISC OS programmer.

Features

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A document loader for Impression files was included with the 2.60 release of desktop publishing application Ovation Pro in 2008.[specify][8]

The software was copy protected via a dongle.[9]

References

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  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. ^ a b 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. ^ Williams. Chris (24 November 2008). "OvationPro Publisher Pack: Drobe looks at the new features of the DTP". Drobe. Retrieved 27 October 2013.
  9. ^ Tomkinson, Mike (November 1997). "Hardware on the move". Acorn User. Retrieved 27 October 2013.{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: date and year (link)