platesetup

platesetup is a command-line utility used in some Unix-like operating systems, particularly those derived from or inspired by System V, to manage printer and display configurations. Its primary function is to set up the terminal or console to correctly display a specific character set and to interface with a given printer. This process often involves loading specific font tables and controlling device parameters.

The utility is typically invoked with arguments that specify the desired display or printer type and the character set to be used. For instance, it might be used to select a particular code page for console output or to configure a printer for a specific language's character encoding. In older systems, platesetup played a crucial role in ensuring proper text rendering and output, especially when dealing with non-ASCII characters or specialized printing requirements.

While its usage has diminished with the advent of more sophisticated display servers and printing systems like X Window System and CUPS, platesetup remains a historical and sometimes still relevant tool in certain embedded or legacy environments. Understanding platesetup provides insight into the evolution of text and print handling on Unix-like systems.