No web site is complete without a tip or two.
Clients often need to make small changes to documents and then they need to re-create the pdf file. The standard software for producing pdf files is Adobe's Acrobat Exchange but Adobe have an on-line service that enables users who do not own Exchange to create pdf's. The resulting files can then be viewed with the Acrobat Reader.
Surf over to createpdf.adobe.com where you'll be able to convert 5 files for free before moving over to their subscription model. This is not a foolproof method for creating pdf's but it may help on occasion. Top
Many web sites require you to give your e-mail address to register, receive information, subscribe to a newsletter, etc. Due to the plague of spam, most people prefer to keep their primary work and home e-mail addresses away from the Web. One method is to use web-based e-mail accounts such as Yahoo and Hotmail when you want to receive e-mail on a temporary or one-off basis.
However, there are two free services that take a different approach.
With Mailinator, you can give any e-mail address at the mailinator.com domain. For example, you can be jane@mailinator.com, bob@mailinator.com, 123@mailinator.com or even fjslkdhf@mailinator.com. All you have to do is surf over to the Mailinator web site and enter the user name that you chose in order to see e-mail sent to that address. It only works for text and any e-mail sent to the address is deleted after a few hours.
Jetable gives you a temporary e-mail address such as 23ht6@jetable.org which you can give to a third party. All e-mail sent to that address for the next few hours or days will be sent to your regular inbox. After that the address is discontinued and you will receive no more mail.
Both Mailinator and Jetable have their advantages and disadvantages but they are both very useful arrows in your anti-spam quiver. Top
We can't move without our e-mail these days and there are many remote solutions, including mobile phones and PDAs. Your ISP probably has a web-based e-mail solution but there are also some web sites that allow you to check your POP-based e-mail wherever you are. We have found Mail2Web to be the simplest and most useful. Top
Disable Fast Saves: Fast Saves were designed to speed up the saving process. However, these days your computer probably doesn't need any extra help when saving a file. In addition, Fast Saves are notorious for increasing file size and the chances of corrupting the file. Select Tools > Options > Save and uncheck Allow Fast Saves.
Easy Access to Recent Files: By default Word shows you the last four files you opened in the File menu. Wouldn't nine be more convenient? Tools > Options > General and increase the Recently used file list to 9.
Are you a bit more daring? Follow these instructions (in Word 2000): Tools > Customize > Commands. Scroll down the Categories list and select Built-in Menus. Scroll down the Commands list and select Work. Drag it up to your toolbars and place it where convenient.
Now, whenever you have a file that you access regularly, select Work > Add to Work menu when the file is open. Next time you open Word you can choose the file from here.
To remove files from the Work list, press Ctrl + Alt + -. The cursor becomes a minus sign. Select Work and then click the file you want to remove. Top
HyperSnap: Technical writers are often required to take and manipulate screen captures. It's not rocket science and it's very handy to be able to capture screens or parts of screens whenever you want. We use HyperSnap though some people prefer SnagIt. Take your pick. Top