Digital BW, The Print

Hi!

I've read several times that there is a program called "Powerrip" that
makes fantastic prints. What exactly is it? I've downloaded the demo
and don't know what to do with it. I want to print B/W with my Epson
1280, so is this a driver for my printer or what? What are its
advantages in comparison to the original drivers? I'm also planning to
order the MIS Hextone ink. I've read that I need certain workflows for
them (John Woolf etc.). Does Powerrip make this step unnecessary? And
finally... can you suggest me some settings for a newbie in powerrip
that will get the best out of my printer and paper (epson archival
matte)?

Thanks a lot!

Peter