OUT OF CHEESE


It is amazing how unaware some people can be. This little perl program allows you to set the "Ready Message" on HP printers to whatever you'd like. (if you want to run it under Windows, and don't know how, read this.) I wrote it after coming across the command in an HPPJL (HP Printer Job Language) reference manual I was reading for some reason that I now forget.

Well, of course I couldn't ignore such an opportunity, and it turns out to be a lot of fun. You can think up your own funny, confusing or scary messages. My personal favorite is "INSERT COIN" which fits perfectly on the small LCDs. You can even sit in sight of the printer and change the message while watching the reaction of your victim. Don't be surprised, though, if a large fraction don't even notice. I was quite surprised myself but, it appears, some people don't look at what is in front of them.

washort said...

Once in my foolish youth working as an intern in the IT department of a local hospital, I discovered the management console for all the printers. I set the ready text to "OUT OF CHEESE". Some poor nurse called the help desk _dreadfully_ confused shortly after. I confessed to my boss and he nearly exploded laughing. I don't know that I'll ever hear the end of it from him and his family. :)

SOURCE:Miscellany