PDF like program

  • Thread starter Thread starter PS
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P

PS

I wish to send docs to friends (not necessarily MS word or excel) and a
friend has suggested freeware is available which can allow the files to be
sent by email, in PDF-like form, which recipient can open quite simply.

I would appreciate suggestions as to what programs are available...freeware
preferred.

PS
 
I wish to send docs to friends (not necessarily MS word or excel) and a
friend has suggested freeware is available which can allow the files to be
sent by email, in PDF-like form, which recipient can open quite simply.

I would appreciate suggestions as to what programs are available...freeware
preferred.
Click to expand...

OpenOffice exports to PDF and can read your MS Word Excel files
www.openoffice.org

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Freeware Site: http://freeware.quantum.2ya.com
DATA Solutions: http://datasolutions.quantum.2ya.com

If you truly want to contact me click the link
http://quantum.2ya.com/email.htm
 
PS said:
I wish to send docs to friends (not necessarily MS word or excel) and a
friend has suggested freeware is available which can allow the files to be
sent by email, in PDF-like form, which recipient can open quite simply.
Click to expand...

PDF is not a good choice, since it is a file format owned by Adobe, it
takes special programs to open, it cannot be dissembled without
considerable work, etc..

Much better is HTML which is a free format, easy to open in any
browser, easy to dissemble, and there are many editors which you can
use to create HTML documents, from simple editors like notepad to
drag-n-drop "what you see is what you get" editors.

If you want a single file instead of several just save it as .mht,
html archive file, and send it as email.

Latest versions of internet explorer has the save as option .mht so
you probably already have the program which creates the .mht file from
any HTML web page.

The receiver of the file can resave it as a normal html page which
separates the pictures and other objects again.
I would appreciate suggestions as to what programs are available...freeware
preferred.
Click to expand...

No extra program needed, you probably have both internet explorer and
a HTML editor already.

If you don't have a special html editor you can use any text editor,
like notepad.
 
Stefan Ascher said:
Once again, PDF is not "owned" by Adobe, it is an open format, just see
here:
http://partners.adobe.com/asn/acrobat/docs/filefmtspecs/PDFReference.pdf
Click to expand...

That is a "truth" with many modifications.

Unless you want to use Adobe products you need very big program
packages, like Postscript and Ghostview and xpdf package, etc to unpac
the pdf file format.

And it is completely un-neccessary as we have the free HTML file
format which can be packed, unpacked, modified to suit the readers
choices, and can be viewed by any web browser.

The only advantage pdf had before was that it could be distributed as
a single file. Now when we have the .mht format built into the
operative system windows there is no need at all for pdf files.
 
PS said:
I wish to send docs to friends (not necessarily MS word or excel) and a
friend has suggested freeware is available which can allow the files to be
sent by email, in PDF-like form, which recipient can open quite simply.

I would appreciate suggestions as to what programs are available...freeware
preferred.
Click to expand...

Try Cute PDF. Its a freeware program that will allow you to make a PDF from
any program that allows you to print.

http://www.acrosoftware.com/

HTH
 
Responses inline:

That is a "truth" with many modifications.

Unless you want to use Adobe products you need very big program
packages, like Postscript and Ghostview and xpdf package, etc to
unpac the pdf file format.
Click to expand...

So, first you complain that it's proprietary, and then when confronted
with proof that it isn't, you concede and say "it's too big". Which is
it? And what do you call big? These days, I would say that anything
under 10MB is not big at all, and there are software app.s available
under 10MB that can create and modify PDF/PS files
And it is completely un-neccessary as we have the free HTML file
format which can be packed, unpacked, modified to suit the readers
choices, and can be viewed by any web browser.

The only advantage pdf had before was that it could be distributed
as a single file. Now when we have the .mht format built into the
operative system windows there is no need at all for pdf files.
Click to expand...
Since I'm feeling charitable, I will only say, "Crap!"
PDF is not unnecessary at all. In fact, it serves many useful purposes
that HTML cannot. For starters, the very fact that, for most
recipients, PDF files are uneditable is a big plus. Also, PDF files are
still almost totally exploit-free, unlike HTML. Most people who create
PDF documents do so precisely _because_ the end user will likely not be
able to modify their product. I am not anti-HTML, but to suggest that
it is a superior replacement for PDF is like saying that a hammer is a
superior replacement for can-opener - they are different tools designed
for different purposes. How, for example do you embed fonts into an
HTML document?
Also you specifically mention one particular OS, Windows, and a
proprietary format, .mht. First, you deride PDF for being proprietary,
which it isn't, then you actively recommend a proprietary format
yourself.PDF is cross-platform, so that I can embed fonts into a PDF
document, and know that the recipient will see what I intend them to
see, regardless of their OS
 
Max Quordlepleen said:
So, first you complain that it's proprietary, and then when confronted
with proof that it isn't, you concede and say "it's too big". Which is
Click to expand...

It was propietary until recently. Adone was forced to reveal the
details about the file format, and they did it in a similar fashion as
microsoft revealed the details of the windows operative system, that
is, so that others would not have complete knowledge.

That is "non-propietary" with several modifications.
it? And what do you call big? These days, I would say that anything
under 10MB is not big at all, and there are software app.s available
under 10MB that can create and modify PDF/PS files
Click to expand...

Why should all the readers have to install several megabytes of
programs to read a file format which is totally un-neccessary when we
already have web browsers?
Since I'm feeling charitable, I will only say, "Crap!"
PDF is not unnecessary at all. In fact, it serves many useful purposes
that HTML cannot. For starters, the very fact that, for most
recipients, PDF files are uneditable is a big plus.
Click to expand...

That is NOT an advantage as I see it, and for most of the users it is
a hinder, they cannot use their own favorite settings as they can in a
web browser, they cannot dissemble the files, they cannot use the
information in any way they want.. in short, pdf is a file format for
control freaks, not for a maximum of usabilitity and openness.
Also, PDF files are
still almost totally exploit-free, unlike HTML.
Click to expand...

If you want to include ads into a file you can do it just as well in
pdf files as in html files. The difference is that the readers can
filter the ads in html, but not in pdf:s so that argument, although
silly in this context, is more to the advantage of html than pdf.
Most people who create
PDF documents do so precisely _because_ the end user will likely not be
able to modify their product.
Click to expand...

I have no sympathy for control freaks who want to limit the access to
and usability of information. And if you talk on behalf of the
commercial interest, this is a freeware newsgroup, we like free
software and free information.
Also you specifically mention one particular OS, Windows, and a
proprietary format, .mht.
Click to expand...

I think .mht is a html file format, like the rest of the html standard
it is probably not owned by any company at all.
All web browsers will have it soon, and we have the mht packer and
unpacker built into the windows operating system. Just use the save as
on the menu.
see, regardless of their OS
Click to expand...

Html is not an OS dependent file format.
 
Max Quordlepleen said:
Since I'm feeling charitable, I will only say, "Crap!"
PDF is not unnecessary at all. In fact, it serves many useful purposes
that HTML cannot. For starters, the very fact that, for most
recipients, PDF files are uneditable is a big plus. Also, PDF files are
still almost totally exploit-free, unlike HTML. Most people who create
PDF documents do so precisely _because_ the end user will likely not be
able to modify their product. I am not anti-HTML, but to suggest that
it is a superior replacement for PDF is like saying that a hammer is a
superior replacement for can-opener - they are different tools designed
for different purposes. How, for example do you embed fonts into an
HTML document?
Also you specifically mention one particular OS, Windows, and a
proprietary format, .mht. First, you deride PDF for being proprietary,
which it isn't, then you actively recommend a proprietary format
yourself.PDF is cross-platform, so that I can embed fonts into a PDF
document, and know that the recipient will see what I intend them to
see, regardless of their OS
Click to expand...

Agreed.

I am leery of receiving HTML documents in my e-mail, because of their
potential virus threat. It is my understanding that PDF is still a virus
free format.

I enjoy knowing that when I send a PDF document, it can been seen on any OS.
 
In PS posted:

http://www.pdf995.com/download.html
Click to expand...
From the site:
The free versions of pdf995 products will display a sponsor page in
your web browser each time you run the software. If you would prefer
not to see sponsor pages, you may upgrade by obtaining a license key at
any time for $9.95. A suite license for all three products is also
available for $19.95. Group licensing for 25 or more users is also
available.
 
Perhaps, i should have been more specific. i run a business where i need to
send documents to customers overseas.

Presently, i fax these or scan these - like invoice bill of lading etc.

i thought a pdf-like program may have been more easier. is it so? which
ones?

ps
 
superior replacement for can-opener - they are different tools designed
for different purposes. How, for example do you embed fonts into an
HTML document?
Click to expand...

Well actually, I think I embedded fonts in a website I did a few years
ago... they aren't a part of the HTML file per se, but they are included on
the site (requires IE as well).

DX
 
I am leery of receiving HTML documents in my e-mail, because of their
potential virus threat. It is my understanding that PDF is still a virus
free format.

I enjoy knowing that when I send a PDF document, it can been seen on any
Click to expand...
OS.

So can HTML documents.
 
Roger Johansson said:
It was propietary until recently. Adone was forced to reveal the
details about the file format, and they did it in a similar fashion as
microsoft revealed the details of the windows operative system, that
is, so that others would not have complete knowledge.
Click to expand...

Who forced Adobe to publish their Formats, and why? Just read the PDF
Reference (see the link I posted before), and when you've finished with
that, you'll know that it describes *every* aspect of the PDF fileformat,
or do you think there are 10 MB (1000 pages) smilies in it?
 
Responses inline

Max Quordlepleen said:
[...]
Click to expand...

It was propietary until recently. Adone was forced to reveal the
details about the file format, and they did it in a similar
fashion as microsoft revealed the details of the windows operative
system, that is, so that others would not have complete knowledge.

That is "non-propietary" with several modifications.


Why should all the readers have to install several megabytes of
programs to read a file format which is totally un-neccessary when
we already have web browsers?
Once more, it is not "unnecessary" just because you say so. If
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
somebody needs a particular function of PDF, and HTML doesn't offer it,
then, to that person, PDF is very necessary
That is NOT an advantage as I see it, and for most of the users it
is a hinder, they cannot use their own favorite settings as they
can in a web browser, they cannot dissemble the files, they cannot
use the information in any way they want. in short, pdf is a file
format for control freaks, not for a maximum of usabilitity and
openness.
Click to expand...
Well, since "dissemble" means
-----------------
"1 : to hide under a false appearance
2 : to put on the appearance of : SIMULATE
intransitive senses : to put on a false appearance : conceal facts,
intentions, or feelings under some pretense "
-----------------
I'm going to assume that you meant "disasssemble." However, 'the point
is not what _you_ want, but what _the user_ wants. The OP asked for a
PDF generator. You replied that there was no use to PDF, when it would
have been more honest to say _you_ have no use for PDF. Many users do
have find a need for PDF. It's that simple. The OP wanted something,
which indicates that he or she had a need, or desire for it. They did
not ask for biased, inaccurate opinions on the pros and cons of PDF
If you want to include ads into a file you can do it just as well
in pdf files as in html files. The difference is that the readers
can filter the ads in html, but not in pdf:s so that argument,
although silly in this context, is more to the advantage of html
than pdf.
Click to expand...
I said _NOTHING_ about ads - I said "exploit-free", exploit" referring
to malware insertion.
I have no sympathy for control freaks who want to limit the access
to and usability of information. And if you talk on behalf of the
commercial interest, this is a freeware newsgroup, we like free
software and free information.
Click to expand...
Once again, the OP did ask for for opinions on the personality
characteristics of people use PDF. That "control freak" behaviour you
deride is, as it happens, increasingly popular in many legal systems.
Electronic submissions to many courts are now made in PDF precisely
because the documents' integrity can be better assured. Also, PDF
generation can be done by freeware, I use freeware for it, so I am
_NOT_ talking on behalf of any commercial interests.
I think .mht is a html file format, like the rest of the html
Click to expand...
standard it is probably not owned by any company at all.
All web browsers will have it soon, and we have the mht packer and
unpacker built into the windows operating system. Just use the
save as on the menu.
[...]
Click to expand...

Html is not an OS dependent file format.
Click to expand...
You're right, but .mht is listed as a proprietary Microsoft format. And
again you say "we have the mht packer and unpacker built into the
_WINDOWS_ OS. What about other OSes - *nixes, Mac?
Your posts convey an extremely egocentric view of the world -the only
opinions and experiences that have any merit are yours, the only OS
that matters is the one you use. Normally I ignore posts like yours,
but there were glaring factual errors I could not let pass
unchallenged. Since these have all been addressed now, repeatedly, by
myself and others, and your arrogant egotism refuses to allow you to
accept them, I will take no further part in your ego-fest.
 
[...]
Click to expand...

Well actually, I think I embedded fonts in a website I did a few
years ago... they aren't a part of the HTML file per se, but they
are included on the site (requires IE as well).
Click to expand...
Yeah, I knew that was possible, but it isn't the same as embedding
fonts in the file, especially if it's not merely OS-specific but even
browser-specific.
 
OS.

So can HTML documents.
Click to expand...


I know, but he was blathering on about *.mht files, which is listed as
a proprietary Microdoft format. I was not talking about HTML when I
said proprietary, OS-specific (the best freeware wysiwyg editor I've
used is Linux's Quanta Plus).
 
thank you for your comments. i find some posters too fussy and less helpful.
for instance, one response to a suggestion to use PDFmailer was "Adware,
therefore off topic in this newsgroup". is that all he could come up with?


Max Quordlepleen said:
Responses inline

Max Quordlepleen said:
[...]
Click to expand...

It was propietary until recently. Adone was forced to reveal the
details about the file format, and they did it in a similar
fashion as microsoft revealed the details of the windows operative
system, that is, so that others would not have complete knowledge.

That is "non-propietary" with several modifications.


Why should all the readers have to install several megabytes of
programs to read a file format which is totally un-neccessary when
we already have web browsers?
Once more, it is not "unnecessary" just because you say so. If
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
somebody needs a particular function of PDF, and HTML doesn't offer it,
then, to that person, PDF is very necessary
That is NOT an advantage as I see it, and for most of the users it
is a hinder, they cannot use their own favorite settings as they
can in a web browser, they cannot dissemble the files, they cannot
use the information in any way they want. in short, pdf is a file
format for control freaks, not for a maximum of usabilitity and
openness.
Click to expand...
Well, since "dissemble" means
-----------------
"1 : to hide under a false appearance
2 : to put on the appearance of : SIMULATE
intransitive senses : to put on a false appearance : conceal facts,
intentions, or feelings under some pretense "
-----------------
I'm going to assume that you meant "disasssemble." However, 'the point
is not what _you_ want, but what _the user_ wants. The OP asked for a
PDF generator. You replied that there was no use to PDF, when it would
have been more honest to say _you_ have no use for PDF. Many users do
have find a need for PDF. It's that simple. The OP wanted something,
which indicates that he or she had a need, or desire for it. They did
not ask for biased, inaccurate opinions on the pros and cons of PDF
If you want to include ads into a file you can do it just as well
in pdf files as in html files. The difference is that the readers
can filter the ads in html, but not in pdf:s so that argument,
although silly in this context, is more to the advantage of html
than pdf.
Click to expand...
I said _NOTHING_ about ads - I said "exploit-free", exploit" referring
to malware insertion.
I have no sympathy for control freaks who want to limit the access
to and usability of information. And if you talk on behalf of the
commercial interest, this is a freeware newsgroup, we like free
software and free information.
Click to expand...
Once again, the OP did ask for for opinions on the personality
characteristics of people use PDF. That "control freak" behaviour you
deride is, as it happens, increasingly popular in many legal systems.
Electronic submissions to many courts are now made in PDF precisely
because the documents' integrity can be better assured. Also, PDF
generation can be done by freeware, I use freeware for it, so I am
_NOT_ talking on behalf of any commercial interests.
I think .mht is a html file format, like the rest of the html
Click to expand...
standard it is probably not owned by any company at all.
All web browsers will have it soon, and we have the mht packer and
unpacker built into the windows operating system. Just use the
save as on the menu.
[...]
Click to expand...

Html is not an OS dependent file format.
Click to expand...
You're right, but .mht is listed as a proprietary Microsoft format. And
again you say "we have the mht packer and unpacker built into the
_WINDOWS_ OS. What about other OSes - *nixes, Mac?
Your posts convey an extremely egocentric view of the world -the only
opinions and experiences that have any merit are yours, the only OS
that matters is the one you use. Normally I ignore posts like yours,
but there were glaring factual errors I could not let pass
unchallenged. Since these have all been addressed now, repeatedly, by
myself and others, and your arrogant egotism refuses to allow you to
accept them, I will take no further part in your ego-fest.
Click to expand...
 
thank you Max. will do.


Max Quordlepleen said:
I recommend keeping an eye on PDFCreator from sourceforge.net it is
progressing quite rapidly, and will probably meet your needs.
Click to expand...
 
Max Quordlepleen said:
*.mht files, which is listed as a proprietary Microdoft format.
Click to expand...

Thanks for finding that out, good to know.
But I won't be surprised if others start using it too, as so many
other MS features.

By the way, pdf files usually also take 5-10 times as much space as
the same information in html format.

That is also a good reason to avoid pdf, along with all the other
reasons, like not being built into web browsers and pdf:s needing
special search programs to find information on your own hard disk.
 
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