,DPR3703 Assignment 2 (COMPLETE ANSWERS)
Semester 2 2024 - DUE 30 September 2024 ; 100%
TRUSTED Complete, trusted solutions and explanations.
Question 1 Do you think desktop publishing has evolved?
Justify your answer by discussing the history of desktop
publishing from learning unit 3 and provide relevant examples.
(10 marks)
Question 1: Evolution of Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing (DTP) has indeed evolved significantly
since its inception, transforming from a niche technology into a
ubiquitous tool used in various fields. To understand this
evolution, it is crucial to review the history of desktop
publishing and examine how advancements in technology and
software have shaped its development.
1. Early Beginnings and Initial Developments
1.1. Pre-DTP Era: Before desktop publishing, the creation of
printed materials was a labor-intensive process involving
manual typesetting, printing presses, and skilled craftsmen. This
traditional method was time-consuming and expensive, often
limiting the production of high-quality materials to large
institutions or well-funded projects.
1.2. The Advent of Desktop Publishing: The concept of
desktop publishing began to take shape in the late 1970s and
early 1980s with the introduction of early digital typesetting and
layout tools.
, 1970s: The development of digital typesetting systems,
such as the Linotype machine and early computer-based
typesetting systems, paved the way for digital publishing.
However, these systems were primarily used by
professional typesetters and publishers.
1980s: The launch of the Apple Macintosh computer in
1984 marked a significant turning point. It featured a
graphical user interface (GUI) that made it accessible to
non-technical users. This was further enhanced by the
introduction of Aldus PageMaker in 1985, which was one
of the first desktop publishing software applications
designed for the Macintosh.
1.3. Key Innovations:
PostScript (1980s): Adobe Systems introduced PostScript,
a page description language that allowed precise control
over typography and graphics. This technology was
integrated into printers and software, providing a way to
produce high-quality printed materials directly from digital
files.
Laser Printers (1980s): The development of laser printers
offered high-resolution printing capabilities that were
essential for professional-quality desktop publishing. The
combination of PostScript and laser printers allowed users
to achieve print quality comparable to traditional methods.
2. The Growth of Desktop Publishing
2.1. Expansion of Software and Tools: As desktop publishing
gained popularity, the range of software tools expanded, catering
to different aspects of design and layout.
