Adobe Acrobat Exchange (and other Adobe Software) -- Some Information for New Users

Basics of Using PDF

First, you can NOT convert files to PDF format using Adobe’s free “reader” software.  You can only view files in that format with the free software applications.  Some of Adobe’s other software may have come bundled with the ability to convert documents to PDF, but those are not free, either.

There are other software packages, and even Websites, available that allow you to convert your files to PDF “free,” but keep in mind that there really is no such thing as a free lunch.  The ones that I’ve looked into either gather personal data from you that could lead to spam, or they have some other sort of strings attached.  One online conversion site even states in their “fine print” that you agree that your document becomes their property—to do with as they see fit (perhaps to sell to one of the term paper vending services, is my guess).  Be very cautious.  It’s safer just to think of this software as a required text that you will use for all of your ETL courses.

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What is PDF?
PDF is a universal format into which files (or documents), created by a number of different software packages, can be converted. I think of it as being like the "Rosetta Stone" of application software. It is easy to use and, with the educational discount, costs about the same as a typical graduate school textbook.

Why do we need it?
Students who plan to complete the ETL degree program will take a number of courses in which they have assignments that will involve more than using simple ASCII text. They may want to incorporate charts, or other graphics, into some assignments. They will want to submit papers that will include text in italics, bold, underline, varying font styles and sizes. This can't be done with simple ASCII text. By using PDF, documents that include the above features can be transferred as mail attachments and read (or printed) in precisely the same "look" as that created by the author.

Can't that be done with my WordExacto95Deluxe wordprocessing software?
Yes, but then everyone in the program would have to have the same version of the same package. Not only would many of them have to spend a good deal of money to buy your version of WordExacto95Deluxe, but they would have to learn how to use it.

How do I use Acrobat to create files in PDF?
Acrobat integrates itself with your existing software so that you are using functions with which you should already be familiar. It does this by installing itself as an optional PRINTER. This may sound a little tricky, but it really is easy -- don't make it harder than it has to be! All you have to do is create a new document (or open one that already exists), go into the PRINTER SELECTION area of your software's command menu, and look for an ACROBAT choice among the printer options. When you choose the Acrobat "printer" it doesn't actually send your document to be printed, but instead converts it to a PDF file. You will be prompted to tell Acrobat where to put the newly-created PDF file. You can choose any directory (folder) or drive, but put it somewhere that you can find later (when you want to attach it to an e-mail message.

These are only general guidelines. Because of the differences in software (a wide variety of application packages are supported) and platforms (DOS and MAC) that a student may be using,

In most cases, after you have installed your software you should be able to follow intuitive commands (that will appear in the toolbars for most of you other software applications) to create documents in PDF. 

You gotta be kidding me! Is that all?!
Yes. DON'T make it harder by trying to first save the file in some sort of special format. Simply: bring your document up on the screen in your word processor; select Acrobat as your "printer"; then "print" a PDF copy of your document to the place directory (folder) or drive that you specify.

How about turning in assignments in PDF format? How do I do that?
We use online dropboxes for turning in assignments in each of our courses. The process is quite easy, and is explained to our registered students.

 

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