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The Basic 411 On Linux, PDF Utilities And Able2Extract 8

For the past couple of months, Linux related news has been popping up in one form or another. For instance, Facebook launched Pages Manager, an app for managing Facebook Pages on your Android, which is based on the Linux kernel. In addition, one of the biggest buzzes at CES 2013 this year is centered upon Ubuntu for mobile phones.

Even gamers who are subscribed to Steam, Valve’s software management and community platform for gaming, are now able to beta test the newly released Linux-based client. And let’s not forget that we just released Able2Extract for Linux, ourselves!

The platform is certainly building up an appeal to developers, manufacturers and users alike. If you’re an Investintech user starting to get curious about Linux or looking to make the switch yourself, we’ve put together a quick basic overview on the Linux platform, the nature of PDF tools in the industry, and how Able2Extract 8 fits in.

Let’s Back Up A Bit: What Is Linux And What Are Distributions?

Like Windows, Linux is an operating system that first started out in 1991 as a terminal emulator by Linus Torvalds, who wrote the initial program to access UNIX servers of his university independent of an operating system. What eventually emerged was the beginning of the Linux platform.

Because Linux was released and licensed as an open source project, developers are able to build different UNIX-like operating systems on top of its kernel (the Linux core). Each newly built operating system includes a collection of software applications, supporting utilities and libraries, the Linux kernel and an installer. Together the package is called a “distribution” and are free to download and use.

These distributions have the same Linux kernel at heart, but are different in software, desktop, commands, and admin tasks. These elements vary from distribution to distribution. Today, you can find many different communities collaborating, maintaining, and developing tools to drive their favourite Linux distribution forward.

Making The Switch: Where To Go From Here?

As you can imagine, trying to migrate to Linux might be intimidating. Hearing about its filing system and about executing commands can easily scare anyone off. It takes know-how and a lot of time and effort to be familiar with the programmer-like nature of certain distributions.

Tux Linux Distros — Image Courtesy: The-linux-road.blogspot.ca

Fortunately, for new users, there are distributions that do away with such a high learning curve. Some Linux distributions you’ll want to check out include Ubuntu (Canonical Ltd.), Fedora (Redhat), and Kubuntu (Debian). They offer an easy introduction and transition to the Linux OS. By visiting DistroWatch, you can get a good idea about just how many different Linux distributions there are.

Keeping Your Daily Tasks In Check: Software Alternatives

As a new user, you’d probably be looking to make an easy transition with software you’re already familiar with. Well, you’ll be happy to know that GUI based alternatives do exist for Linux. Free open source alternatives like Thunderbird (Outlook), GIMPShop (Photoshop) or OpenOffice.org (Microsoft Office), for example, can give you the same functionalities you need on a daily basis. commercial vendors have also been able to develop propriety licensed software for the platform despite Linux’s open source roots.

A Brief Overview About PDF Utilities

With PDF converters, it may be a different story. Although there are many PDF utilities for Linux, most use a command line interface or only perform one or a limited number of functions such as creating PDFs, splitting and merging, converting to one format, comparing PDF, or annotating and editing PDFs. In most cases, command line utilities like those will require a bit of technical know-how to get set up. Full featured PDF applications you’re familiar with, like Adobe Acrobat, won’t be found on Linux.

Some workarounds with open source word processing suites like OpenOffice.org will let you modify PDF content to some or little extent with their importing (via extension) and exporting functionalities. Yet, as full featured converters, they fall short.

Yes, We Have Able2Extract For Linux

This is was one of the main driving forces of why we developed Able2Extract for Linux—to fill that gap. For a long time, Able2Extract has been only available to Windows users, but many non-Windows users wanted to take advantage of the PDF software too.

Well, we were listening. Now the PDF converter is compatible with the most popular desktop oriented distributions, Ubuntu and Fedora.

Able2Extract Linux Version

Able2Extract can perform different PDF conversions, allowing you to convert to formats like HTML, Text, AutoCAD, and Open Document Formats native to Open Office—Writer, Calc and Impress.

No extra utilities are needed for batch conversions, selective conversions, or viewing your PDF files. Those functions come included and are all built-in, making it that much easier to get things done.

The Linux platform has a lot to offer, and no doubt we’ll be seeing more developments in the industry. So next time you decide to take a serious look at a Linux distribution, you can rest assure that not everything about the switch has to be difficult!

Exploring Able2Extract 8’s New PDF To Excel Custom Conversion Panel

We all know that when it comes to converting PDF tables, nothing comes out right. Regular conversions aren’t enough. Transferring digital banking statements or invoices into your tracking or budget spreadsheets becomes difficult when that information comes in tables of different shapes and sizes.

Sometimes the best way you can ensure an accurate PDF to Excel conversion is to literally move the columns and rows yourself before the conversion takes place. And this is where Able2Extract comes in.

With this latest version, the PDF to Excel custom conversion panel received a facelift. And did it ever! This new interface is now more intuitive and user-friendly than ever. Functions and features are now at your fingertips.

To help get yourself familiar with the new conversion panel, here’s a basic FYI overview of what you can do with each feature.

PDF to Excel

1. Page Range

With this section, you can designate a page range for applying and customizing the file’s table structure. Add additional pages with the Expand… option or use the Exclude functionality to eliminate a page within your selected range.

2. Tables

Using the tables section, Able2Extract allows you to Add and Delete tables to a page by left clicking on it. Select the Replot functionality and Able2Extract will recalculate the column structure for the page range.

3.Columns

With your tables set, you can then edit their structure. Select either the Add Columns or Erase Column Line to start customizing your tables. You can then click on your spreadsheet to insert where you want your column lines or click on the ones you want to delete. This is perfect for correcting column misalignments that will affect Excel calculations.

PDF to Excel Add Columns

4.Rows

Like columns, the rows can also be customized. By clicking on Show Rows, you can see where the default rows in your file will appear. Click on the Manual Row Editing box to activate the Add Rows and Erase Row Line functionalities, and you can start manually adding or erasing rows by left clicking.

PDF to Excel Add Rows

5. Header and Footer

If your PDF file is a multi-page report that contains headers and footers, you can easily adjust them. Click on either Edit Header or Edit Footer. Adjust them by left clicking and holding the button down while moving the mouse up or down. You can also choose to enable or disable them, if needed, with the Header/Footer Options button.

PDF to Excel Headers and Footers

6. Show Preview

You can then preview the conversion output by checking the Show Preview box. If you only need to preview page you’re working with, check the Only current page box. Your results will show up in the pane at the bottom.

PDF to Excel Preview Pane

When converting your own banking statements or financial data, start exploring some of these features out.

Visit our Able2Extract support page for a detailed online version.

Able2Extract 8 Keyboard Shortcut Cheatsheet For Mac Users

We always boast about Able2Extract’s ability to let you work the way you usually work with applications. And so far, our Able2Extract Windows users have had the luxury of keeping their work right at their fingertips with keyboard shortcuts.

But our software isn’t just for Windows users anymore!

For all the Mac OS X users out there, we have a handy keyboard shortcut cheatsheet that will let you quickly access all the newest features of Able2Extract 8.

Accessing the File Menu Commands

Admittedly, the File menu is perhaps the main menu you’ll go to when you need to open, close, print, convert or save your file. By using a few shortcuts, major PDF tasks can be managed without even activating the menu at all.

Accessing the Edit Menu Commands

Able2Extract’s Edit menu provides you with options that allow you to decide which PDF data you want converted. You can select your PDF content faster via a few quick keystrokes.

Accessing the Document Menu Commands

Navigating through pages in your PDF is probably one of the most widely performed tasks when it comes to working with PDFs. This is one area where the keyboard can help you avoid fumbling around with the mouse and get straight to the point at hand.

Accessing the View Menu Commands

In addition to customizing your conversion, Able2Extract’s View menu also lets you customize your view instantly. Moreover, it offers shortcuts for working with Excel conversions even faster.

Accessing the Help Menu Commands

The Help menu is there in case you should need some extra guidance here and there along the way. Need to get some quick info? Use the shortcuts below.

Visit the Able2Extract 8 support page for more details on each of these functions. Hope these shortcuts help!

Introducing The First Universal PDF Converter On The Market: Able2Extract 8

We are excited to announce the release of Able2Extract 8! This latest version is a landmark release in the PDF industry today. In a first for Windows, Mac and Linux, Able2Extract 8 is the first cross platform PDF converter that is compatible on all three major operating systems.

Cross Platform Compatibility

Our developers have worked hard the past year to ensure that every user, regardless of platform or hardware, can enjoy the same quick, accurate conversions that, up until now, only Windows users have been able to enjoy.

And it’s paid off.

Not only can Able2Extract 8 operate on different platforms, it can run even better than ever with a few new features and some powerful tweaks.

Cross Platform Compatibility with Mac and Linux for the First Time

Thus far, Able2Extract has been available exclusively on the Windows platform. Not anymore. Able2Extract PDF Converter 8 is now available on the Mac OS X platform. Mac users on the latest Mountain Lion operating system can take full advantage of the same conversion options and features that are offered in the Windows version.

Able2Extract 8 Mac version

And this goes for the Linux platform as well. Users on the Ubuntu and Redhat distributions can finally convert files without any command line tools or complicated scripts. Conversions are now straightforward and simpler through a graphical user interface.

Able2Extract Linux Version

Intuitive PDF to Excel Custom Conversion Interface

Following this same straightforward simplicity is our newly redesigned PDF to Excel custom conversion interface. You can now customize your rows, columns, tables and footers in a more direct way with single click customization options.

PDF To Excel

Also new to our PDF to Excel custom conversion is the Show Preview option. It allows you to see your conversion results before you hit the Convert button.

Able2Extract Show Preview Feature

Give the new features a try on your most complicated PDF tables!

New Easy PDF Navigation & Viewing Features

Once you open a PDF in Able2Extract 8, you’ll also notice a Preview Pane on the left hand side. This new side bar gives you better navigational control and a quick overview of your PDF’s pages, bookmarks and attachments. Multiple PDFs are now visually within reach and easy to work with.

Able2Extract Navigation sidebar

Improved OCR Technology

Even the OCR engine in our Professional version has been improved. Scanned PDFs are usually poor in quality with broken, grainy text. Able2Extract Professional’s OCR technology was tweaked to generate image-based conversions more accurately and smoothly. Trust us. You’ll feel the difference.

To test these features out for yourself, download an Able2Extract 8 free trial from the download page. Once you’re on the page, just select your platform and click on the download button.

Download Able2Extract 8

Don’t forget to let us know what you think of this latest version!

Bridging The Geographical Gap: Introducing Investintech’s Belgrade Office

We just switched up our main Facebook page photo with a spectacular photo of a place that can’t be found anywhere in the world. And rightly so.

The view is a unique one that is significant to us, here at Investintech, and it comes with a little bit of background we thought would help give the photo some context.

You may not know it, but Investintech.com was founded as a finance related startup in early 2000 in Toronto, Ontario. The company was started by a small group of people just barely out of college who wanted to develop a platform that would enable professionals to be more efficient with financial reports.

The original start up faced a number of issues and challenges, and consequently, the focus after three years of hard work shifted towards data extraction from PDF files. On December 1, 2003, Able2Extract v.2.0 was released. For the next four years, Investintech.com steadily grew, gradually developing more products such as Able2Doc, Absolute Server, and Sonic PDF Creator.

As business operations became more complex, the company opened an office in Belgrade, Serbia in 2007. Today that office is filled with more than 20 great colleagues and hard working individuals we are proud to have as members of the Investintech team.

And the rest, as they say, is history.

What you are looking at in the photo is the Investintech view from two different parts of the world, bridging the geographical gap between both offices. You can see our Toronto headquarters facing our Belgrade counterpart in the awesome photo mashup our design team put together.

The photo represents two very iconic and distinct landmarks. You may already be familiar with the CN Tower skyline located in downtown Toronto. The foreground, however, is from Belgrade. It depicts the plateau on which the statue of “The Victor,” the protector of Belgrade, stands. It resides in the part of the Kalemegdan medieval fortress that is the core and the oldest section of Belgrade. It stands on the cliff like ridge overlooking the confluence of the Sava River into the Danube. (Read more: http://bit.ly/4lD8Mm)

Sit back and enjoy the view!

Credit:

Mad Max Prhotography https://www.facebook.com/MadMaxphoto

gtkenji http://www.flickr.com/photos/38969864@N03/