"Can I use Epson LQ printer for DOS based programs like Foxpro"
Many of the LQ series have windows drivers, and also work as ASCII printers
in dos mode.
Speed can be a general issue, since the windows applications generally
expect to use a graphics printer, not an ASCII printer. The ASCII printer
requires a lot less data sent to it to produce printed text. There is a
generic text printer driver supplied with windows. This may be of some use
with older applications. Higher end LQ series printers were very capable
dot matrix printers, and usually had multiple emulation modes supported in
firmware. In a few cases, the built-in printer buffer was too small to work
properly with windows in graphics printing modes. There may be some issues
between a DOS application and windows. A common one is a wait at end of page
or job.
(The printer buffer must hold at least all the data used in printing one
pass across the paper in graphics printing modes.)
LQ printers may require that the parallel port mode be set to SPP instead of
ECP or EPP.
In general, dot matrix printers print slower than inkjet printers.
"I observed while printing, it is very slow and unreadable fonts."
Can you describe how the fonts are unreadable?
A personal complaint concerning dot matrix and inkjet printers has to do
with the combination of two factors.
1. Later Windows versions increased the printing time for the same document.
(There are lots of reasons that get complex.)
2. Printer mfrs rely more and more on driver capabilities, and less on
built-in firmware. This reduces the cost and complexity of the printer
electronics. Most inkjet printers sold today do not have basic ascii
printing capability.
For most applications and general business use, Laser printers have replaced
the dot matrix printers, due to speed considerations.
(This does complicate the label and form side of business applications. )
