This page describes using a host-based Font
Server with the ViewStation.
Font Server Operations
The font server is a host-based X client that compiles fonts
into the correct server format on demand. This client is usually
started by the system administrator from boot files like /etc/rc.local.
You should be sure the font server is running if you intend to use it
for your font access.
Putting the Font Server in the Font Path
The ViewStation's font path has to have an entry for the font
server. This is typically a simple entry which specifies the hostname
and the port number:
tcp/<hostname>:<port>
or
tcp/hdssun1:7000
The default port number is usually 7000, but it can be
assigned to other ports by your system administrator.
This entry should be included in the ViewStation's font path
in the normal way. For example, a fontpath might be: tcp/hdssun1:7000,/home/HDSware/hds-fx/fonts/Xol
Font Server Benefits
With normal font loading, a font file is transferred from the
host's font directory into the ViewStation's memory. But with font
server operation the ViewStation opens a connection to the font server
on the host computer and the fonts are not actually loaded or cached by
the ViewStation.
This can result in some saving of memory space on the
ViewStation. For instance, a ViewStation starting up with Xdm and then
starting HPvue with HPterm uses 220 KB of memory to load fonts (12
fonts) with conventional font loading, but uses no memory with a font
server. This case illustrates the savings possible with font server
usage. Depending on your use of fonts, this could be a benefit to your
memory consumption.
Using Alternate Font Servers
If you want to have a backup font server, you can specify alternate
font servers in the font server's configuration file (see the font
server man pages for syntax). A typical entry would be:
alternate-servers=hostA:7000,hostB:7000,hostC:7000
Note however that these lists replace each other, so if
hostA is unavailable, the alternate list used is from hostB and will
not retry hostA unless it appears in the new list. It is therefore
recommended that each host font server show all of the other font
servers in their lists.
Return to Section Heading Page
Return to the Home Page
If you need more information than is available here, you can reach
HDS via email at info@hds.com, or
call us at 1.800.HDS.1551 in the USA, or at +610.277.8300 from outside
the US. For questions or problems regarding the HDS WWW page, contact
webmaster@hds.com.
© 1996 by HDS Network Systems
Inc.