Synopsis:
How can I convert a document to Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format?

Solution:
The recommended method for converting files to PDF is to use OIT's SendMePDF service.

Alternatively, the full version of Adobe Acrobat on your DeSC machine can be used.

SendMePDF Print Service

The "SendMePDF" print service converts word processing files (or other files printable on a PostScript printer) into PDF files. PDF stands for Portable Document Format; it stores the layout and fonts of a document (such as an Excel spreadsheet or Word document) in a manner that can be used on multiple platforms. PDF is especially useful for documents that rely on sophisticated design or page layout. The IRS, for example, publishes its forms online in PDF format. More information on PDF is available from the Adobe web site.

PDF files can be read using Adobe Acrobat Reader in conjunction with a web browser. Acrobat Reader can be configured as a plug-in or as a helper application that automatically displays any PDF file you download.

OIT provides a simple procedure for converting your files to PDF. It is a print service that converts documents to PDF and mails them back to you as MIME (multimedia electronic mail) mail attachments. Using a mail program that handles attachments (Netscape, Outlook, etc.), you can save the MIME mail attachment and post it to the web. Be sure to save the MIME mail attachment with the file extension of .pdf so that Web browsers will know to use the Acrobat PDF reader.

The "SendMePDF" print service is available from a number of platforms, including:

• Unix
• Mac OS X
• Windows NT, 2000, XP
• Windows 95, 98, ME

Unix

Send your file to the send_me_pdf LPR print queue with the following command:

lpr -Psend_me_pdf filename

In order to receive the PDF file by e-mail, your local user account name must match your OIT NetID.

Mac OS X

As an alternative to using the LPR procedure for Unix, Mac users can connect to SendMePDF using the following procedure:

1. From the Print Center (in /Applications/Utilities), click Add.
2. Select "IP Printing" or "LPR Printers Using IP" (depending on your version of Mac OS).
3. Type ntprintserver for the address.
4. Uncheck "Use default queue" and type send_me_pdf for the queue name.
5. Select Apple LaserWriter IIg for the model, and click Add.

In order to receive the PDF file by e-mail, the short name of your OS X user account must match your OIT NetID.

Mac OS versions predating Mac OS X do not have built-in support for the required networking protocols.

Windows NT, 2000, XP

You will need to connect to \\ntprintserver\Send_Me_PDF

1. Make sure that you are logged in to the Princeton Windows domain.
2. Click on Start and then select Run
3. Type in \\ntprintserver and click OK.
4. Find the printer named Send_Me_PDF in the list of printers.
5. Right click on Send_Me_PDF and choose Install or Connect (Windows XP).
6. The printer description should now be installed in your folder of printers.

When you print from a Windows application, be sure to use the drop-down menu under Name in the Print dialog box to switch to SendMePDF as your printer. The Adobe Acrobat Distiller will then convert the file and e-mail it to you. It will derive the target e-mail address from the user name that is logged onto Windows.

Windows 95, 98, ME

You will need to install \\ntprintserver\Send_Me_PDF using the Apple LaserWriter IIg driver.

1. Make sure that you are logged on to the Princeton Windows domain.
2. Click on Start and then select Run
3. Type in \\ntprintserver and click OK.
4. Find the printer named Send_Me_PDF in the list of printers.
5. Right click on Send_Me_PDF and choose Install.
6. The Add a Printer wizard starts up. You will need to answer a few questions.
7. If you print from MS-DOS based programs, click Yes. Otherwise click No. Then click Next.
8. Choose Apple as the manufacturer and Apple LaserWriter IIg as the model. Then click Next.
9. Type in SendMePDF as the name of the printer and click No for setting this printer as your default (unless you want your print jobs to go to this printer unless you select some other printer). Click Next.
10. Select No for printing a test page and then click Finish.
11. The printer description should now be installed in your folder of printers.

When you print from a Windows application, be sure to use the drop-down menu under Name in the Print dialog box to switch to SendMePDF as your printer. The Adobe Acrobat Distiller will then convert the file and e-mail it to you. It will derive the target e-mail address from the user name that is logged onto Windows.