I was able to download a free ebook I am very much looking forward to but when I opened the zip file, it was a Word document! I appreciate the amount of trust this writer is placing in his readers, but I would not publish an editable piece of work for all to get their hands on.  So, being the uber friendly and annoying nerd that I am, I converted it into a pdf and emailed him a copy. Of his own book. Wonder what his reaction will be...

But it got me to thinking about all your wonderful writers out there who might want to send out projects but don't want them to be editable.  In an effort to be IT to the world, here are the links to FREE software that will help you:

Adobe Reader 8.1 - This will allow you to read pdf's but not create them, so...
CutePDF - This will allow you to 'print' to pdf, meaning that when you are ready to convert your document do this:

1. Under File, select Print
2. Change the printer to CutePDF
3. Click 'Print'
4. It will prompt you to save the document
5. Change the name and select the folder you want it it saved in
6. Select print

The program will then show its progress as it converts it and will mostly automatically open the pdf when it is done.  Then you are all set. I believe it's backwards compatible to Adobe 5.0.

Love me later.