[Oa] cutters

[Andrew Crawford]

On 7/24/11 1:43 PM, Lorna Sams wrote:
> I have been reading  the thread on cutters and I have question of my
> own: I am leaning toward a cutter that uses computer software but I also
> want to get some idea on how the companies update the software to ensure
> extend the life span of the cutter. I am not sure if any/all of the

> Jane

Hi Jane,

I don't know if anyone else replied to you.  So, I thought I would chime in.

I think the situation varies some among the different cutters.  Some of
the cutters, like the Klic-N-Kut, are driven by proprietary software
from the manufacturer.  Others, like the Craft Robo, use a printer
driver that will accept output from any vector graphics application.

There is third party software, such as Make-the-Cut, that will run some
cutters (like the Bosskut Gazelle).

As with anything like this, there is no guarantee of continued support
over time and new operating systems.  Chances are that the lifespan of
most major releases of modern operating systems will give you at least
an eight to ten year window for supporting the original software on the
original platform.

Notice, for instance, that there are still a lot of people running
Microsoft Windows XP, which was originally released in 2001 and, that
most Windows XP software will still run under Windows 7.

Beyond that (or if you are upgrading your OS faster), you are at greater
risk with the cutters that require proprietary software.  The
manufacturer could go out of business, stop supporting particular models
or, release new software you would have to purchase.

Machines whose manufacturers provide printer driver or otherwise open
interfaces for their equipment will have better prospects.  The more
third party software that supports a cutter, the more likely you will
have options in the future.

I'm not sure if that helps.  If you have other specific questions, I
will try to answer them.  I know we have some other folks on here who
are more expert with different machines and software than I am.

-- 
Andrew Crawford