Software

[mr.anderson]

Originally Posted by 454697819

I just want to be able to write PDF's without an adver in the corner as that is so unprofessional when I am sendign out PDF drawings.

So you have a document (word, html, whatever) that you want to create a pdf out of? No editing etc?

We use this: http://www.pdfforge.org/products/pdfcreator which is brilliant.

I have an msi if you'd like (we deploy it to all PC's via GP) its about 15MB, roughly the size as the exe.

PM me and I will get it to you somehow.

Originally Posted by timwilky

What bugs me is companies who would rather opt for expensive commercial rather than FTU open source in the belief they may get "support". and fail to understand in open source generally a bug is fixed far quicker by a community than waiting for a single company to get their developers off the new bloat ware and onto fixing the old stuff.


BTW My company is a member of FAST, and recently had a FAST audit of about 2000 PCs in the UK. Additionally as a developer myself I cannot condone any sort of software theft. However, I understand why people do it. and wish companies would learn to either protect their software better or understand laws of diminishing returns and make software affordable to all

This is what really gets me about audio software in particular. It is insane how expensive most music software is when you consider how great the proportion of amateurs/hobbyists to professionals is. The dev costs of creating "lite" versions are a false economy too; just sell the fully-featured version at a price low enough that all users can afford; you'll make more money in total. A few developers understand this, but sadly I've seen some pros slate program x because; "something that costs £30 isn't going to sound as good as my £300 program".

[Spikenipple]

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

This is what really gets me about audio software in particular. It is insane how expensive most music software is when you consider how great the proportion of amateurs/hobbyists to professionals is. The dev costs of creating "lite" versions are a false economy too; just sell the fully-featured version at a price low enough that all users can afford; you'll make more money in total. A few developers understand this, but sadly I've seen some pros slate program x because; "something that costs £30 isn't going to sound as good as my £300 program".

This is the exact reason that Apple lowered Logic Pro (well, Logic Studio now) from £600+ to £300ish. Another good thing about Apple software/hardware is that they offer pretty decent discounts for students.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by Spikenipple

This is the exact reason that Apple lowered Logic Pro (well, Logic Studio now) from £600+ to £300ish. Another good thing about Apple software/hardware is that they offer pretty decent discounts for students.

of course the downside is you have to buy a ridiculously overpriced apple computer to use it

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

of course the downside is you have to buy a ridiculously overpriced apple computer to use it

SHHHH - we cant laugh at them then

Oh and if anyone IS looking to make music for free - Linux has Hydrogen for a Drum Machine and LMMS for a Sequencer - much the same functionality as FruityLoops etc.

[fizzwheel]

You guys need to start doing what I have.

I've started putting my foot down and I dont comission anything now that doesnt have an appropriate license bought for the software thats being installed on it.

I dont rack the server, i dont install the OS and I wont let the software get installed unless I've seen a PO thats been signed for the software purchase.

I managed to p*ss off a couple of project managers and now they are starting to get the message, but we're still hideoulsy under licensed in pretty much every area and we've had a warning about it and still our head of IT doesnt want ot pay for licenses.

His argument is basically we've got away with it for so long we might as well keep trying to get away with it.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

You guys need to start doing what I have.

I've started putting my foot down and I dont comission anything now that doesnt have an appropriate license bought for the software thats being installed on it.

I dont rack the server, i dont install the OS and I wont let the software get installed unless I've seen a PO thats been signed for the software purchase.

I managed to p*ss off a couple of project managers and now they are starting to get the message, but we're still hideoulsy under licensed in pretty much every area and we've had a warning about it and still our head of IT doesnt want ot pay for licenses.

His argument is basically we've got away with it for so long we might as well keep trying to get away with it.

what they don't understand is that the fines are not just the licnence fee but they will find out how long you have been using it for and charge you back dated.. Like Acad.. you been using it for 10 yrs.. thats 1 full price and 10 upgrades please ( if your using the latest edition)

I would love to put my foot down, but I am not in a position of authority and I can not argue with this place its a bit to cleeky..

I will keep banging on about it though.

Originally Posted by 454697819

I just want to be able to write PDF's without an adver in the corner as that is so unprofessional when I am sendign out PDF drawings.

CutePDF is completely free and legal and works on XP/Vista. Just download the ghostscript and then the CutePDF installers (both located on left hand side of page) and then when you want to create a pdf just print (select CutePDF as printer).

[Spikenipple]

Originally Posted by the_lone_wolf

of course the downside is you have to buy a ridiculously overpriced apple computer to use it

People still pay it though ^_^
I nicked my brother's Mac Mini a few years ago so i'm not too fussed. If I get into uni however i'm going to need a faster one...

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by 454697819

I would love to put my foot down, but I am not in a position of authority and I can not argue with this place its a bit to cleeky..

I'm lucky I can, because I'm responsible for the data centre, where and when stuff gets racked is down to me, so if I'm not happy their kit doesnt go in the racks...