There are so many file formats used to capture images. Examples include JPG, BMP, TIFF, PNG and GIFF. Used in digital cameras, scanners and computers, these file formats represent raster files or bitmaps used to create or reproduce photographic images. Since the files are made up of a series of dots, problems result if the image is being blown up and printed on a wide format printer. The images look just fine on a computer screen but do not necessarily look good at very high resolutions. Often the larger images show evidence of pixel distortion.

Vector files on the other hand are composed of outlines, curves and lines so they are more scalable, without image quality loss. When you are creating vehicle graphics, wall murals, tradeshow displays or large banners, it is better to use vector files such as EPS, AI or PDF. Don’t be fooled into saving a JPG in PDF format and expecting the underling JPG file to behavior differently. A JPG saved as a PDF file is still a raster based file. We can work with you to convert raster images to vector ones if a vector file is not available. Depending on the resolution this can take some time.

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Sign making requires the highest quality originals. A good logo designer will provide many file formats to the client. Among these will be two file types, which, if the average customer attempts to open them, will appear to be filled with gobbledygook. These extensions  are “.ai” and “.eps” and are useful to design professionals.

All too often an office staff member finds the first file they can open when they are assigned the task of getting a banner or purchasing a tradeshow display. This file is most likely a “.jpg” file and is insufficient for making a sign. But that’s ok; somewhere close by will be a nice high-resolution file suitable for large format printing. Instead of sending me the “logo.jpg” file, send me the “logo.eps” file. Easy! In the image below I show a comparison between a .jpg file and an .eps file.

As Adobe PDF files become more common, this issue will gradually become less important. A .pdf file can be viewed with Adobe’s free Acrobat. Usually it is also a high-resolution file which will produce a beautiful sign.

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We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular and most useful, shareware and freeware we’ve come across. From Adobe Acrobat to Stuffit Expander, we’ve included everything to help ensure the efficient completion of your next project with us.

• Adobe Acrobat Reader (PDF Software)

Download and view PDF (Portable Document Format) files with Adobe Acrobat Reader. Also comes with a plug-in for your Web browser that allows you to view Acrobat documents on the Web.

• FTP Software (Mac): Fetch

Fetch is one of the most popular FTP clients for the Macintosh, and for good reason. It’s small and very reliable, although first time users may take some time to get used to its interface.

• FTP Software (PC): CuteFTP

This Windows FTP client features a drag-and-drop interface, bookmarking, and a host of other features. The latest version has improved support and help files, and has been fixed to make it smaller and faster.

• StuffIt Expander/DropStuff

If you’re downloading files off the Internet, or sending files to friends and coworkers, you need this utility. StuffIt Expander allows the user to decompress and use a wide range file formats, including .zip, .bin, and .hqx. DropStuff with Expand Enhancer allows you to easily compress files with drag and drop, and adds features to Stuffit Expander.

• WinZip

WinZip is a popular file compression utility for the PC. If you’re sending and downloading files over the Internet, this is a necessary program. It works with a number of formats, including .zip and .hqx.

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Like many small business owners SignWorks uses Adobe PDF files. PDF files are a dynamic and versatile format that can dramatically simplify and expedite document viewing, transfer, storage and output. The PDF acronym stands for Portable Document Format and is widely used by publishers, Web programmers and graphic designers. PDF files are generally accepted as the preeminent format for universal document exchange. The following five attributes contribute to its extreme popularity:

Compatible: known as a cross-platform file format, PDFs can be used to recreate documents regardless of where they were originally created. PDF files also preserve the document’s original style and formatting (including colors and fonts), exactly as they were intended to appear. Virtually anyone using Adobe Acrobat Reader, on any platform and running any application version, can view and print identical PDF files.

PDF files are known to be active or highly navigable because they contain highly useful navigation tools, such as: internal and external links, structured bookmarks, search capabilities, thumbnail page views, multi-directional buttons, magnification options and more.

They are also convenient because of they are typically smaller in size than original source files (e.g., potentially 20% as large as HTML files) and easier to download and view. Also, you can download the whole document faster than you would a source file or even opt to download only a page-at-a-time.

PDF files are very accurate and are easily viewed and output. They use the PostScript language, hence the format ensures true, faithful and fast printing. Also, even when PDF files are viewed on-screen they retain precise color regardless of software or hardware variations. They also retain clarity in magnifications upward of 500%.

PDF files are very secure and feature extensive security protections. Users can maintain strict control over sensitive information by assigning security passwords to PDF documents before sending them. Also, the files can be authenticated and secured with digital signature technology. The PDF SelfSign feature enables creators and users to restrict and track access to critical documents through the use of encoded digital signatures.

It won’t take much to get started using versatile format. The following lists the five primary methods for creating PDF files.

1. Adobe Acrobat: software used to create and modify PDF files. Create a PDF file by simply dragging a document into Acrobat, choosing the format directly from Microsoft Office, or converting documents directly, among other methods.

2. Adobe PDF Writer: the software mimics a printer driver to create PDF documents from nearly any Windows application.

3. Adobe Acrobat Distiller: this software features automated, high-volume conversion of PostScript files to PDF.

4. Adobe Acrobat Capture: designed specifically for the conversion of scanned image files to PDF, the software is optimized for character recognition and clean-up.

5. Other software: other Adobe graphical and publishing software such like FrameMaker, PageMaker and Illustrator can be used to automatically create PDF files. Also, a surplus of third party software like EZ-PDF, ActivePDF Printer and QuarkXPress also offer PDF creation capability.

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Know thy enemy is the first tenet of warfare. That being said it is important to understand what a computer virus is. This devious little computer programs attach themselves to legitimate program-hosts and then engage in rampant self-replication. Often, it’s easy to be fooled by their small size but don’t be because they’re never small for long. Computer viruses propagate like rabbits – so by the time you first recognize that they’re present, your data may have already been permanently damaged or erased.

Like biological viruses, computer viruses are not always inherently destructive. Think of it this way, even if you’re not actually sick now, you’re probably harboring a fugitive cold virus in your body right now. Similarly, both biological and computer viruses can infect you without you being “affected”. Oftentimes your computer can be a veritable hive of viruses without exhibiting visible symptoms or actual damage. Viruses can quietly exist, if not instructed to do otherwise, and can unobtrusively and perpetually replicate. They become destructive if and when they are intentionally engineered to be so.

Malicious computer viruses contain what is called a “payload” — a programming element separate from the self-replication code that executes its objectives. For example, a payload might display a personalized message on your monitor or it might erase critical data or program files. It could also reformat your hard drive, or infiltrate your messaging software and overload the local network with authorless e-mails. However, not all computer viruses are created equal. Some are full of sound and fury while being relatively harmless, while others are silent but deadly. In general, there are three main types of computer viruses:

Macro Viruses are the most prevalent type of virus today. Unlike conventional viruses that can attach to virtually any program, macro viruses prey on only specific programs. A macro itself contains instruction code that automatically executes other program commands. In fact, many popular and prominent software applications utilize macros extensively. Essentially, these macro viruses are embedded within a program and they self-replicate.

These macro viruses that run on Microsoft applications like Word and Excel are particularly common — mostly because certain programming strategies employed by these applications make them particularly susceptible. When an infected document is initially opened, the macro virus embeds itself in the application and then proceeds to attach itself to every subsequent document that is created. In this way, the macro virus is unwittingly disseminated whenever the user transfers another document.

Parasitic Viruses are the most infectious type. They attach themselves to executable programs like .com or .exe files. Once an infected file is launched, these viruses freely replicate themselves, embed in primary memory, or release their payload. Furthermore, they can corrupt not just specific programs, but virtually any program that is being processed in RAM.

Boot Sector Viruses represent essential software that resides on hard, floppy or optical disk, and is responsible for loading the operating system into memory at the start of a computing session. Boot sector viruses penetrate the vital boot sector and change and alter the contents. As opposed to macro viruses, boot sector viruses are spread not by sharing diskettes and not documents. Whenever a new diskette is introduced to a previously infected computer, the boot sector virus is transferred to the healthy diskette. This process then conveys the virus to other computers, and so on.

The above are all considered true computer viruses, however, another commonly-observed form of computer pestilence (though not literally a virus) is the worm. Worms differ from viruses in that they can wreak havoc without requiring a host. Other viruses are referred to as Trojans. Trojans are viruses that masquerade as legitimate programs, documents or other software and are often spread through e-mail or online bulletin boards.

Certainly we would not knowingly expose our computer to a virus. However, thousands put their machines in peril every day and ignorance is no excuse. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure so follow some of the common troubleshooting techniques below to keep your computer virus-free:

• Use a reputable anti-virus software applications like Norton or McAfee

• Scan new files, diskettes or software before loading them on your machine

• Back-up critical software or files to avoid permanent loss due to infection or deletion

• Be wary of strange operating tics or unusual graphics

• Ensure vigilance from the other members sharing your computer or network

• Write-protect your system and program disks

• Enable Macro Virus Protection in all Microsoft applications

• Don’t share diskettes or software without assuring their integrity

• Never download e-mail or Internet files/programs without scanning them first

• Don’t act on an e-mail virus alert without confirmation from an IT professional or trustworthy source

• Always use the original diskettes to boot your system.

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Deciding to go online is definitely an important step; but it’s only one of many. Once you’ve made the initial decision to go “virtual,” the next and possibly more important step is choosing a name for your website. This is typically referred to as selecting a domain name. Obviously, name recognition and recall is imperative for e-commerce. Following are some tips for selecting an effective domain name:

Legal Considerations

Domain name length should be between 2 and 63 characters, not including the top level extension — traditionally .com, .net or .org. Acceptable characters are the letters A-Z, the numbers 0-9 and hyphens. Domain names cannot start or end with a hyphen. Also, domain names are not case sensitive and generally display in all lowercase letters.

Once you’ve selected and confirmed an available name, you’ll need to make sure it doesn’t infringe on any existing trademarks or intellectual property. Just because the name is available does not make it a legal domain name.

Appropriateness

When selecting a domain name consider your target audience. Think about the purpose and tone. Should be formal, or informative, or even sarcastic? Who is it that you intend to attract and what is it that will capture their attention.

Simplicity

The domain name should be short and sweet so that it’s easy to remember. As the length of the name increases, so does customer confusion so try to restrict the domain name to one, two or three words tops. If possible select easily-spelled, easily-pronounceable words with few syllables. Avoid using hyphens to separate words and don’t use acronyms unless they’re part of your name.

Make it Evocative

Your domain will be more effective when it creates a strong visual association. In fact, name recall is promoted when your consumer can connect a specific and unique image, memory, scent or individual with your domain name. Take the word “rose” for example. You know how a rose looks, smells, and feels. Stick with things that are concrete and certain.

Make it Easier

Network Solutions (www.networksolutions.com) is a great tool that can assist you with your search, or you can use a program like Mozzle (www.mozzle.com), or Domain Questor (www.internet-soft.com). These software tools and other available freeware can be invaluable. For example, Mozzle has an automatic thesaurus. You can check for acronyms, alternative domain name spellings, trademark searches, pattern searches and so on.

Make it Universal

When creating a domain name be wary of ethnocentrism, especially if your site is targeting a global audience. Be sure to take into account the linguistic and cultural contrasts that distinguish your market segments. Take into account slang usage, spelling discrepancies and other various geographic idiosyncrasies.

Be Unique

There are domain names that betray all practical advice and yet they are tremendously effective because they’re unique and easily remembered. This “uniqueness” is perhaps the most influential predictor of how successful a domain name can be. The key is to be both unique and relevant. Remember, a domain name is your identity on the Web, like any brand name, logo or trademark in the real world. If created correctly, it is a moniker that customers will associate with your company, product or service.

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Much like a copier the process and applications of a scanner are relatively simplistic. The same little scanning bar blinds you if you look into it, but instead of feeding paper (though a rare few do) it transmits the scanned object into your computer and allows you to alter the image digitally. In this respect, a scanner is more useful than the average office copier.

Color Scanning

Scanning color pictures can be very challenging. Even though you may expect to get the same quality and detail as in the original, it’s not always the case.

Determining the proper resolution, or dpi (dots per inch), setting is a critical part of the scan. Most scanning software allows you to select from a range of settings but individual settings depend on the quality of the scanner you’re using. Plus, technological possibilities are expanding every day.

In general, a better quality scan is possible with a larger dpi (or higher resolution). This also translates to the creation of a much larger file. For example, a typical 400 dpi color scan can be as large as two megabytes, while a 100 dpi black and white scan is somewhere between 50-100 kilobytes. There are also major differences in the smoothness of color shading. The edges of the scanned picture become more jagged and irregular with lower resolution settings.

The advantage of scanning in pictures at a lower resolution is that the files are smaller and can be easily attached to an e-mail or saved on disk. A 400 dpi file takes a lot longer to transfer, especially on a slower machine. Plus, it may be too large to fit on a single disk. The trade off is a lower quality picture. Photo images found on the Web are usually scanned at 72 dpi. While these photos look great on your computer screen, they will not print clearly on a color printer.

Black & White Scanning

The concern over resolution is not as great when scanning black and white text or photocopies. Although contrast is just as important as resolution for both photos and text, it may be necessary to darken the black or grays to add contrast against a white background. However, adjusting contrast can also cause otherwise unnoticeable scratches or particles to appear. Once a scan is completed you can easily increase or decrease contrast using Photoshop.

Always be aware of the quality of the original you are scanning. Keep in mind that there are always minor deficiencies, scratches, or other imperfections that will be enhanced by the scan. To minimize imperfections it’s a good idea to keep the glass on your scanner clean and double-check for wrinkles, smears and other debris on the original. This will usually lead to a higher quality scan.

When scanning different kinds of media you may need to experiment. Once you have some of the basic principles down, you will find more and more ways to apply them. There are many new things you might want to try so play around with scanning objects other than pictures or documents. You’ll find that most mid-range scanners can capture almost anything that will fit on the glass. Proper scanning techniques can take years to refine but if you keep trying different things and don’t get discouraged you can achieve amazing results.

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Although both are computers, comparing a Mac and PC is like comparing apples and oranges. They perform similar functions, but they look and operate quite differently. Furthermore, comparisons between the two are highly subjective. Whether to use a Mac or PC is usually more a matter of personal taste and the specific operations that are most important to you.

The term PC, first coined by IBM, stands for “personal computer.” However, the Macintosh really isn’t a personal computer, but rather a “person’s computer.” Though PCs and Macs are programmed to perform very similar functions using hardware, they each use different software. The hardware includes external devices like monitors, connectors, cables, consoles, speakers, keyboards, printers and a mouse. Some hardware is considered a necessity such as the keyboard or monitor, whereas a scanner would be considered an add-on accessory. Software, the computer brain for both the PC and the Mac, is used to instruct the hardware on how to perform the various tasks.

The computer’s hard drive is designed to house short-term storage on both the PC and the Mac, even though the disks have different formats. There are two kinds of disks: floppy disks that have 1.4 MB (megabytes) and zip disks that have 100 MB of information storage. Mac’s have a built-in zip drive but they are not standard on most PCs. However, zip drives are an option on PCs. In addition, CD and DVD storage, and the prevalence of flash drives, are broadening the storage choices.

The single-processor Mac is faster than even the cheapest single-processor PC, even though PCs are usually less expensive. For example, Gateway and Dell also sell affordably priced PCs. Also, the Mac tends to be easier to use and troubleshoot. Mac users are usually able to troubleshoot their computer without outside assistance whereas most PC users will need to consult a computer technician when they experience difficulties.

Typically, PCs have more options, applications and lower prices while Macs tend to have more consistent pre-packaged applications that are built-in with Apple standards. Often the PC buyer must buy a pre-packaged deal or buy the additional computer software they need on their own.

The built-in format translator in the Mac allows it to read PC disks whereas PCs need special software to read Mac disks. Mac parts are also harder to find and often must be ordered from an Apple dealer. PC parts are usually cheaper and easier to find. They are also easier to upgrade because their software options are separate and there is a larger selection.

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Although most Internet users have become accustomed to fast connection speeds, it’s important to remember that all modems are not created equal. In addition, download times are affected by many variables, the most critical of which is the connection speed of both parties. Some modems are fast and some, though once considered fast, are now very slow. The most commonly-used modems range the gamut from 28.8 kbps analog to the 250 mbps wireless. Following is a brief comparison of various modems and the respective time required to download a 10MB file.

Modem / Transfer Rate / 10MB Download

28.8K / 28.8 kbps / 46 minutes

56K / 56 kbps / 24 minutes

ISDN / 128 kbps / 10 minutes

ASDL / 384 kbps / 3.3 minutes

Cable / 600 kbps / 2.1 minutes

T-1 / 1.54 mbps / 50 seconds

Wireless / 250 mbps / .3 seconds

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Anyone who owns a computer has run into the problem of large files, and insufficient hard drive space at one time or another. You’ll soon find that applications and documents can quickly consume lots of space on your hard drive. Before you know it, your computer’s disk space is running low.

One of the most effective methods to combat limited disk space is to use a simple compression program. The function of such programs is to take large files and make them smaller without changing or losing any of the file information. This is done by using a complex set of algorithms and equations that reduce the size by reorganizing the “bits” of information in the file. When the compressed file is expanded, these “bits” of information are rearranged or expanded.

There are many different compression applications to choose from even though each program uses different algorithms for compression. Most compression levels across these applications are fairly comparable. A typical compression rate for a 100k Word document of all text is about 60%-90% of the original file size. This makes choosing your own favorite compression utility a matter of personal preference.

One of the most common and user-friendly compression programs is called PKZIP. It is freely available from www.PKware.com. The user interface combines functionality with ease of use by simplifying the compression terminology and using easily understood terms.

Another compression utility that is frequently used is called RAR. The RAR compression format is extremely useful in packing together large programs into one much smaller file. It spreads these large files out into several smaller ones that can be easily transferred or stored on individual floppy disks. The program is free to the public at www.RARsoft.com.

Another very popular shareware compression agent is called ARJ. It can be found at www.ARJsoft.com. It has all the same capabilities as both RAR and PKZIP, but it uses a different format and file extension.

Remember that you can only expand a file using the appropriate file extension, e.g. a .zip extension using PKZIP, the .arj extension when using ARJ, and the .rar extension with the RAR compression program. Most files available on the Internet come compressed in one of these formats, and there are various other compression formats from which to choose.

Compression allows us to save valuable disk space and time given the ever expanding files sizes and the continued use of online file transfer in the course of conducting business. Once you become familiar with common compression formats, you can cut large files down to size in just a matter of minutes

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