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How To Turn Your PSP Into A PDF Viewer

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-10-10T21:23:08Z

In the world of multi-tasking gadgets where your phone can replace more devices than you can carry, your Sony PSP gaming console can also do just as much. It not only plays simple video games, but can also store images, mp3 files, let you network, watch movies and a whole lot more.

The Sony PSP: Another Adobe Reader Alternative

Because earlier PSP firmware can be hacked, users have extended the device beyond its original capabilities to include a whole slew of applications that have nothing to do with video gaming at all. And I just found out that you can even extend them to viewing PDF files with an application called bookr.

bookr 0.7.1 is a “homebrew” application that’ll let you view PDF and text files on your Sony PSP. Once installed on your PSP, you can navigate through menus and folders from which you can select access your PDF and text files. And as a PDF viewer, you also get the regular viewing options of zooming in and out and navigating through to certain pages.

A screenshot of bookr in action!

To get bookr on your PSP start viewing PDF files, you’ll need a hacked PSP. For details on modifying, downloading, installing and familiarizing yourself with the PSP itself, here are a few sites that’ll help you along.

*Psp-hacks.com has an article on the basics of what homebrew” apps are and what you should know before getting bookr on your PSP. Make sure you read this first.

*YouTube is a fountain of user information where you can find a number of step-by-step tutorials on how to install bookr which are straightforward once you’ve got all the information and components you need.

*The PSP Mod forum has a section dedicated to reviewing homebrew apps that might also be a good resource if you’ve got any questions.

*To keep in touch with the PSP world, PSP News and PSP-Files are sites where you can find everything and anything about PSP

A warning before you start: if something goes wrong during the process you can actually wreck your PSP. So make sure you’ve read as much background information as you can before you start.

If you’re a PDF user with a Sony PSP, bookr is definitely something to check out.

PDF Vulnerabilities Exploited With Hacker Toolkits

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-09-26T22:02:47Z

Just when you think PDF files are safe to use again, think again.

We all know that the PDF has had its share of PDF vulnerabilities. From UXSS to PDF spamming, the PDF has been targeted for its wide user base, compatibility across different systems and its reputation as a commonly deployed format for many of today’s enterprises.

Well, nothing’s changed--hacker’s are still targeting the format and users are still using it. As an unfortunate part of technological developments, toolkits which are used to help users gain better functionality with their applications, are also being developed by malicious users to help construct and launch their hacking codes on unsuspecting users.

Screenshot of PDF Xploit Pack in action

(Image from trustedsource.org)

A hacking toolkit called the “PDF Xploit Pack” is reportedly taking advantage of PDF vulnerabilities to gain access to the user information of infected computers. According to a blog posting on worldwide communications resource company, TrustedSource, the PDF Xploit Pack is a new toolkit that targets only PDF files.

In addition, a hacker toolkit called Neosploit, used earlier in 2007 attacks seems to be back in business after it’s “retirement” last July. In the past, the kit was reportedly enhanced to take advantage of Acrobat Pro and Reader vulnerabilities (detected around February 2008) that were launched via the browser, according to an article on the Symantec security blog. Its timely return undoubtedly adds more pressure to the investigation of how much invlovement this Neosploit toolkit has with the PDF exploits occurring.

As a PDF user, you may not know where these attacks are coming from or if one is currently happening on your system right now (as some are unknowingly launched),but you can secure yourself by developing the right habits.

The US Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) believes in this too. On their website it recommends not opening files you don’t trust, making sure you’ve got anti-virus programs installed, and keeping your software updated with the latest patches and versions.

How To Live A Healthier Life With 10 PDF Rules

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-09-19T21:38:54Z

Life can be stressful.

(Image from zenhabits.net)

At work alone you can go through a number of health risks--both mental and physical. Banging your head on the keyboard, getting annoyed by repetitive clicking, gaining weight from sitting in front of the computer, having had the sanity beaten out of you with the slowness of your computer--sound familiar?

That’s an average day for all computer users, no doubt. Well, believe it or not, PDF users can experience all that while working with ONE PDF file!

While PDF creators may neglect to create a stress-free, picture perfect PDF to work with, you, on the other hand, can actively prevent the usual stress bugs and unhealthy habits that are associated with every file. By simply adhering to these 10 basic PDF rules you can start leading a healthier life in front of a computer.

1. Deal with large PDF Files in short glances.

The number one frustration with the PDF is file size. They open slowly, they download slowly and they can even cause your browser or reader to crash. Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time to compress images, unembed fonts, optimize scanned pages or remove unused elements in their PDFs. However, if you’re on the receiving end, take advantage of the wait time to get a cup of coffee, check your inbox or survey your RSS feeds. Believe me, checking in with the download in short glances is way less frustrating than one long wait session.

2. Add security to your PDF.

Have you been worried about the contents of your file? For the most part, your daily frustration includes being concerned about your work, making sure everything is done properly and that confidential information remains confidential. For piece of mind, always add security features. Encrypt your PDF, add a self-signed digital ID or assign user and master-level passwords. This will go a long way to reducing the worry that causes sleepless nights.

3. Have good PDF tools.

A good idea for PDF users is to have a good list of third party tools handy. Working with the PDF file often involves manipulating the content more than anything else, and for the most part basic copying and pasting or quality printing are restricted. Consequently, working with PDF files can be extremely stressful. You need to use more than one tool to be efficient with the format. While there are many task specific PDF tools online, the basic tools to have include a good PDF viewer, a fully loaded PDF creator and a versatile PDF file converter that outputs to more than one format. Having the right tools will make your life easier.

4. Add bookmarks to your PDFs.

Bookmark lengthy PDFs. There’s nothing more irritating than having to blindly scroll and "Ctrl + G" your way through a PDF you just created. Toggling back between the TOC page and the rest of the file means eyestrain, permanent frowns and headaches--the most common and most fatiguing ailments in the workplace. Having your pages visually indexed on the side, will save you and your recipients a bottle of Aspirin.

5. Redact your files.

Something close to a heart attack will usually come when, despite having set and re-checked your PDF security settings, you realize that confidential information has just been sent out. A pounding heart and high levels of stress due to that “uh-oh” feeling are definitely unpleasant reactions to have. One cure to this: redaction. Redacting your PDF files can block out and even eliminate text and graphics from your PDF completely. There are redaction tools easily available online and should be added to your PDF toolbox before you heart gives out in a panic.

6. Update your PDF software.

You might be using older versions of Acrobat or Reader. While there’s nothing wrong with sticking to the tools you’re used to, you should worry about PDF hacks that have been developed using those versions. Being caught unaware by viruses and trojans can take years off your life as you try to restore your old system. As a rule, you should update your software on a yearly basis. There are too many PDF hacks out there to leave it to chance. If you’re dead set on older versions, you might take heart in the fact that most newer versions do retain older features while developing newer ones.

7. Follow PDF/X and PDF/A subset standards.

There’s nothing more disappointing like preparing a PDF only to find out that you haven’t prepared it as well as you should have. Having to redo your work can heighten the stress levels when you’re already swamped with a million other things to do. When preparing a PDF for any type of publication or archiving, whether it be on a large or small scale, use pre-flighting tools and refer to archival standards. They’ll help you create a PDF that won’t add to your to-do list.

8. Make PDF forms fillable online.

To users, this is now a necessity. And if you’re using the PDF to distribute forms over the Web, it should be a necessity for you too. If you want to do away with the long hours of mind numbing data collection and processing, make your PDF forms interactive and fillable online. Using Adobe LiveCycle can integrate and automate the process with your company’s back end systems. Why burden yourself with extra work and effort that can be solved with technology already out on the market?

9. Stockpile on multimedia PDFs.

Working constantly with PDF files can amount to a daily 9-5 drone of routine with a 10 minute smoke break every 2 hours. Indeed, not a good way to cope with your day. Instead, break the monotony and low morale with an inspiring multimedia PDF. If complete with animation, sounds and visually compelling material, multimedia PDFs can provide a good mental break from your work. A really good multimedia PDF could help you reset your mentality and prevent you from leaving the desk for another cigarette.

10. Find comfort in knowing there are others who can help.

There’s always comfort in numbers. When in doubt of your PDF skills and in danger of developing low self-esteem, visit a PDF user community. These sites are usually equipped with a forum and network of users who, like you, are looking for simple camaraderie and support. PDF tips and tricks, industry news and software resource lists are also usual staples of user communities, but they can differ from site to site. Overall, they’re an asset to your PDF resource list.

Everyone’s had a bad experience with the PDF at one point or another. Having them repeatedly, though, isn’t all that great for your health. If you can’t avoid them, the best you can do is to improve the ways in which you cope with them.

Try these out and see how they work for you.

PDF Search Engines Begin To Emerge

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-09-12T20:30:00Z

Awhile back, I posted a few tips on how to effectively find PDFs online. With big name brand search engines like Google, Yahoo! and MSN, you could find any PDF by simply adjusting a few search settings and boolean terms. You don't need to do all that anymore. PDF search engines are emerging to eliminate that task. Here's a brief look.

Data-Sheet (beta)

This PDF search engine lets you find and download data sheets, reports, and ebooks. Data-Sheet comes equipped with Popular and Recent datasheets search options to narrow your search, and the ability to add the search box to your browser. One thing to note: along with your results, Data-Sheet also gives you image search results with links that, unfortunately, don’t link to the sites, but launch a browser view of the image instead.

Pdf geni.com (beta)

Like Data-Sheet you can find ebooks, sheets, forms and any other documents in the PDF format with Pdf geni. Although still in very early beta stage, one of its useful features is its PDF previewing abilities. Click on the magnifying glass and you can preview the PDFs onsite without having to download or open them on your computer first.

pdf Search Engine

As stated on the site:"pdf Search Engine is a book search engine search on sites, forums, message boards for pdf files". One highlight from this site is that in addition to providing a search box, pdf Search Engine also gives you access to their full directory listing of PDFs from the home page.

These search engines still have a long way to go before you’ll see them performing like Google's Ebook search. For instance, you'll find there are still some irrelevant results mixed in with the spot-on matches and related PDFs. Also, search results aren't as extensive as Google's just yet. As all are still in beta form, you can expect more from them in time.

The verdict: an overall useful tool to add to the list.

The Acrobat 9 PDF Portfolios Contest Has Begun!

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-08-19T13:41:04Z

Are you the PDF Master you claim to be? Put yourself to the test and take the challenge. AcrrobatUsers.com is holding a contest to see who can make the most creative and original PDF Portfolio with Acrobat 9.

PDF Portfolios, formerly known as PDF Packages, is a feature that combines different documents into a single bundle you can then attach to your PDF. You can combine Word documents, spreadsheets, and emails while still retaining the file settings of each individual file. And now the people over at Adobe want to what you can do with this feature.

The submitted entries will be judged on the overall quality, effectiveness, and appearance. Your entry can include “images, graphics, Flash files, video, various document types and JavaScripting”—basically anything that can be made into a visually compelling PDF portfolio. So be as thematic and creative as you can be.

The prizes will be worth the effort. First prize is a copy of Acrobat 9 Pro Extended for Windows or, for Mac, Acrobat 9 Pro. Second prize is a Special Edition 8 GB iPod Nano. And third prize is an AcrobatUsers.com T-shirt. Your PDF Portfolio will also be up for display in the upcoming PDF Portfolio Gallery on the site.

To submit an entry, you’ll need to upload your PDF Portfolio along with an entry form online. AcrobatUsers.com has a ton of resources to help get you started. The deadline to enter is October 7, 2008. For more details you can check out the official announcement here.

Good Luck!

Select,Arrange.: Controlling What Goes Into Your PDF

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-08-08T20:58:15Z

Whether you think about it or not, most of the web content you save in a PDF is excess material you don’t ever really need. Did you really need those 7 extra paragraphs? The picture of an ugly toad in the corner? The web page ads?

If you ever wanted more precision with Web to PDF converters, Select,Arrange. is just the thing you’re looking for. With the many Web to PDF applications out there, Select,Arrange. might not sound like anything special.

But what catches the eye about this converter is that Select,Arrange. lets you select the fragments of web text or online images you want in your PDF. How?

How To Select and Arrange Your PDF Online

This online application works in conjunction with a Firefox browser extension that once downloaded, will give you the ability to select sections, paragraphs or individual images from any website.

You can then save these fragments with titles and tags in an online Select,Arrange. user account until you’re ready to start "arranging” them together in a book project that results in a printable PDF.

To create your PDF, you need to be logged into your account where you can then drag and drop and put your collected image and text fragments in order using the designated “Drag Your Fragments Here” box. You can then use the Select,Arrange. layout templates to customize the content’s appearance.

You can start surfing the web and creating your custom PDF online by signing up for an online account and downloading the extension.

A.nnotate Your PDFs Online For Free

nospam@example.com (Reena) — 2008-08-05T21:09:03Z

The digital trend these days is about doing everything—even the littlest things, online. You want to do everything you do on the desktop on the Internet, charge-free, plug-in-free and software-free.

If you’re one of the many who are looking to expand your PDF work online, you might want to check out A.nnotate.

A.nnotate is a handy online service that lets you annotate your PDF files. The service is perfect if you review PDFs on a regular basis, need a backup solution for desktop PDF software or need constant access to annotation functionality.

Because the service is focused on annotating and adding notes, A.nnotate gives you power features to customize how you work with the notes you attach to your PDF. You can add tags to your notes, adjust display options, highlight text, colour categorize, and search your notes by index in either a single PDF or across all documents in your account.

Moreover, A.nnotate doubles as a collaborative tool. Your documents and the notes created for them can be shared with others. And to keep track of group reviews, PDF notes are signed, dated and, for workflow purposes, are attached with a history of changes made to a tag.

To start annotating your documents, you’ll need to create an account. A.nnotate has a free version available and a monthly subscription service if you need more document space. After that you can start uploading your PDFs for fast, on the fly reviewing.

If you want to add more online tools to your PDF toolbox, check out the site for more details.