TUTORIAL:
GC-Prevue Frequently Asked Questions

• Why do you use Version 8 instead of the latest (Version 9)?
  
  Because Version 8 has compatibility with the setup files (*.pwk and *.cwk) of DOS versions of GC-Prevue, which are are still being used. Also, Version 8 is simpler in structure.
  
  
• What is the difference between PWK, CWK and GWK files?
  
  PWK is from an older version of GC-Prevue and it's corresponding Gerber editor. A newer DOS version of GC-Prevue "saves all" to a CWK file. The Win9x Version 8 "saves all" to a GWK file. These file types are backward compatible: The newer versions can "restore all" the older file types, but the older versions can't handle the newer file types. (The main problem I have with Version 9 is that it is not backward compatible in this way.)
  
• Why don't you recommed other free Gerber viewers?
  
  The only one I know of is Lavenier Viewmate.
  
  This is the free version of the Lavenir Gerber and NC Drill file viewers. It lacks an important feature that is available in the paid version (Viewmaster), it can not save a job file. Because of that, to use Lavenir Viewmate, all of the setup steps must be done each time you view the Gerber files, since you can't save the job file.
  
  To use Streamlined Design methods, it is necessary to "preserve succesful actions". Where Gerber files are concerned, this means saving your setups for viewing the files. For a minimum of cost, it is recommended that GC-Prevue Version 8 be used with the Restore All command to initialize the setup up that has been done for the current job. To preserve these setups with Lavenir, one must purchase Viewmaster or Viewmaster Pro.
  
  
• Any questions?   Contact us.

    © 2001-2003 John W. Childers. All Rights Reserved. Gc-Prevue is a registered trademark of Graphicode, Inc.

|  PCB Design Glossary  |  Site Map  |  Copyright 2002 by John W. Childers. All Rights Reserved. Revision date:  Monday, August 26, 2002