Mac or PC: For freelance work it really doesn't matter. There are pros and cons for each platform but the bottom line is:
- The choice between a Windows PC and Mac for professional desktop publishing and graphic design work boils down to personal preference because either one can handle the work. Where possible, having both is an ideal, though costly, situation.
~ Using a Windows PC for Desktop Publishing
~ Using a Macintosh for Desktop Publishing
Your Desktop Printer: While there will be those who choose to bring their medium to high volume printing in-house, the majority of desktop businesses use their desktop printer primarily for very small print quantities or for creating drafts and initial proofs of their work. Some of the most common decisions the freelancer will make involve desktop laser and ink-based printers for their office:
- If you are a professional desktop publisher who works with commercial printers and service bureaus you will probably need to know and use PostScript. If you create complex documents containing both text and graphics, PostScript may give you better printed results even from a desktop printer. Having a PostScript-capable desktop printer can make your work easier by allowing you to print PostScript and EPS and proof work to be sent out for commercial printing.
~ Is a PostScript Printer Required for Desktop Publishing? - Speed and lower operation costs make laser printers attractive to many businesses. Although black and white models (black toner) are relatively inexpensive and common in many homes and small offices, color lasers are still too expensive for most consumers. Color lasers can be found at service bureaus and printers and are often used to produce high-resolution color digital proofs.
~ Laser Printing - For inkjet printing there is a wide range of options. Some designers opt for specific ink-based technologies because they want to produce the best possible color proofs from their desktop printer or have other special color or media needs. Dye-sublimation printing methods are favored by some graphic designers for high-end proofing and by some businesses who want to produce the best possible color materials in-house. Thermal wax printing technology works well for businesses that need to produce large quantities of transparencies for colorful business presentations.
~ Inkjet | Dye-sublimation | Thermal Wax | More Digital Printing
Additional hardware purchases you may make in connection with your desktop publishing business include: Digital Cameras | Graphics Tablet | Scanner
Your Assignment: Using the resources found above and in the sidebar, analyze your computer and peripherals to see where you may need to upgrade in order to run a successful desktop publishing business. If you do identify equipment you will need such as a new printer or a scanner, do some preliminary research into pricing for what you will purchase. This is information that you will need as you create a budget for your business and create the financials for your business plan.
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