Low-cost Alternative for Generating PDFs
The PDF, short for Adobe Acrobat’s Portable Document Format, is the global standard for the distribution of electronic forms and documents. Generating PDF’s, and gaining access to all of its features, doesn’t need to cost a fortune. This week we look at how to get the most out of this robust format while not breaking the bank.

PDF’s are highly versatile. They can preserve the fonts, images, and layout of any document no matter the source. They are easy to share due to its compact nature, and are ready to view and print using the free Adobe Reader software.

Generating dynamic PDFs on your own, however, can be difficult. The full Adobe Acrobat suite costs hundreds of dollars, which is frustrating if only a few documents need to be made. An attractive alternative is to employ third-party document conversion software.

Docudesk’s DeskPDF v2.5 aims to be a low-cost alternative for your PDF needs. Using DeskPDF is simple: just install it on your Windows enabled machine as a printer driver. Now you can produce PDFs from virtually any Windows application. The program also seamlessly integrates itself within Windows’ context menus, allowing you to convert documents easily with a right-click.

DeskPDF features some innovative functions. Automatically attach your PDF to an email after conversion. Utilize extensive Acrobat Distiller-based parameter settings. Take advantage of built-in support for Windows 2003 & Vista Terminal Services and Citrix workgroup environments. Also included are easy drag-and-drop conversions, font embedding, and more than 60 page sizes and layouts to choose from.

When you are serious about PDFs, it’s time upgrade to DeskPDF Professional Edition. Give your documents the professional treatment with additional features including watermarks, stamps, letterheads, bookmarks, table of contents, hyperlink conversions, and document merging. Protect your documents with 128-bit security that restricts the end user’s right to view, copy, print, or modify your PDF.

Generate Acrobat-compatible PDF 1.2, 1.3, and 1.4 compliant documents with DeskPDF v2.5, available for Windows 98, ME, NT4, XP, Vista, and Server 2003 in 32- and 64-bit versions. The Standard Edition is available for $19.95; ten dollars more gets you the Professinal Edition at $29.95. Also available are Standard and Professional Editions for Windows Termi