Stupid end-user (me) in need of techie advice

[Snowflake]

Okay, I need some help and I think some software. I get a million requests for info or copies of the Valentino Estate Catalogue. So I thought now might be the time to scan the disassembled copy I have and put the jpegs on a DVD or CD as a slideshow. This way I can get a copy to the interested parties and not have to xerox the darned thing. Why did I not think of this earlier?

Anyone have advice on what software I might need to create such an animal (remember I am presently using windows) and might be able to have some nifty effects like panning and maybe having a menu for the various sections of the catalogue to be accessed.

Thanks!

[Kevy Baby]

My initial thought is to simply just get an inexpensive scanner with a document feeder (something like this (http://h10010.www1.hp.com/wwpc/us/en/sm/WF05a/15179-15179-64195-15202-215155-377689.html) - though I am only providing this as an example) and scan them to a single PDF document.

Although in retrospect, the document feeder may not be necessary depending on how large the catalog is - but that is just a personal choice.

But making a PDF is IMO the best way to go.

[katiesue]

I was going to suggest pdf as well. And you can put menu's etc into a pdf.

[Kevy Baby]

I was going to suggest pdf as well. And you can put menu's etc into a pdf.I have Acrobat Professional (8) at work. I wish I knew how to use some of the features on there: they is some VERY cool stuff!

[Betty]

Not sure how many bells and whistles i has, put cutepdf(.com) is free.

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Can a a PDF do a slideshow like Snowflake is describing?

[innerSpaceman]

I would think image files lilke jpegs would be better in conjunction with any (affordable) software that does slideshows.


But I'm far from a tech head.

[katiesue]

if she just wants someone to be able to look at the information a pdf works great. It's basically a static photo of your scan or document. We use them a lot at work for things with signatures, things where you don't want the other person to be able to edit it and for size. A pdf of a powerpoint or exel file will be much smaller in size.

[RStar]

That would be the most important question- security. Is this something you want to lock that no one can edit, copy, or steal? If so, PDF would be the best. Of course you would need to buy expensive software to do so, and learn how to use it. Also, those who want to view it may need PDF Viewer (free software, but something someone would need to install on their computer before being able to view it I believe).

If security is not an issue, the simplest way is to scan, or if you are pretty good with a camera take pictures of the pages, then use any photo software to convert them into JPEGS and load them into a PowerPoint. Of course they would need to load PowerPoint Viewer on their computers as well, and you would need a copy of PowerPoint from Microsoft Office.

I love using MGI PhotoSuite to prosses all of my pictures. It's easy to use, and can crop, edit, touch up, do artsy things to them, resize them, convert them into JPEGS or other formats, add text, and make collages. All for about $30 (last time I bought it).

Click Here for a review (http://www.designer-info.com/Writing/mgi_photosuite_4.htm)

I use the Platnum version Here's one on eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/MGI-Photosuite-4-0-Platinum-Edition_W0QQitemZ290145928138QQihZ019QQcategoryZ18 5QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

[Kevy Baby]

That would be the most important question- security. Is this something you want to lock that no one can edit, copy, or steal? If so, PDF would be the best. Of course you would need to buy expensive software to do so, and learn how to use it. Also, those who want to view it may need PDF Viewer (free software, but something someone would need to install on their computer before being able to view it I believe).

If security is not an issue, the simplest way is to scan, or if you are pretty good with a camera take pictures of the pages, then use any photo software to convert them into JPEGS and load them into a PowerPoint. Of course they would need to load PowerPoint Viewer on their computers as well, and you would need a copy of PowerPoint from Microsoft Office.I believe that you are more likely that people will already have the ability to read PDFs on their computer than having PowerPoint (regular or viewer).

And I know that at least one person has already offered to create the PDF file for Snowflake.

[RStar]

I believe that you are more likely that people will already have the ability to read PDFs on their computer than having PowerPoint (regular or viewer).

And I know that at least one person has already offered to create the PDF file for Snowflake.

Cool! If it works, PDF is probably the best way to go.

Good luck with it!

[Snowflake]

Thanks to everyone, I always know LoT is the best place to find answers to everything, including the meaning of life as we know it.

I have the ability to convert to PDF files at my office and this is the easiest way to go. The artistic part of me would like it to be a little more showy, but I think a PDF is all that is needed. After all, I have way too many irons in the fire anyway, another project is another monkey on my back right now.

Gotta love the people on LoT!

[innerSpaceman]

Ok, but what happens after you get the images into pdf format? That in itself doesn't give you the ability to make a slideshow.

I used a program called ProShow (runs about $60) that lets me synch slides very precisely with music, and then can convert the output to a variety of common viewing options. My version doesn't have that neat ability to have individual slides "drift," but perhaps newer versions do. You can add titles and such, but it only works with image files - such as jpegs.

Further, if you want to spice-up the actual images, I don't think you can do that with pdf files. But with image files, you can do tons of stuff with PhotoShop (or the much cheaper and almost as versatile PaintShop).

[Snowflake]

Ok, but what happens after you get the images into pdf format? That in itself doesn't give you the ability to make a slideshow.

You're right, but I think 99% of the people who ask for this information want just that, the info. Down the line I think it would be fun to create a more arty, and fun slideshow, but for the time being, a PDF will work fine and enable me to put the thing on a CD for those who ask.

I will check out ProShow, sounds like a fun piece of software and something I can play with to perhaps create something to promote the RV book. (When that day comes).