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Frequently Asked Questions
Every industry comes with its own language. We want to know
everything about your business so we can provide you with the
right final product.
And we also want you to feel confident in the processes we
employ to get your projects done. So we make every attempt to
educate you about our business. We've collected several
resources over the years and have posted them here to help you
feel comfortable about speaking our language.
Feel free to browse through our FAQs, glossaries, helpful
hints about completing projects, downloadable software archives,
and application tips and tricks. If you think of anything we've
left out, please let us know.
Have you ever had a question and either didn't know where to
find the answer or were too afraid to ask? If so, you've come to
the right place.
As the name would suggest, this section is a compilation of
answers to the questions our clients commonly ask. Here you'll
find answers to common questions our clients ask. Just start by
following one of the links below.
Tips and Tricks:
How-To Articles
These articles are provided to give you a better
understanding of the processes we use to complete your projects.
You’ll also find helpful articles to better use our products and
services. We even provide some suggestions on how to do things
on your own to save you time. We’ve covered a lot of information
in this section but if you think of anything we’ve missed, just
let us know.
How long does it take for you to
complete my order?
There really isn't a short answer to this question. Some
jobs can be produced in minutes and some jobs may take days. Let
us know when you need your job completed and we'll let you know
if it can be done. We go to great lengths to meet your most
stringent demands.
What is a "proof"?
A proof is a way of ensuring that we have set your type
accurately and that everything is positioned according to your
requirements. Typically, we will produce a proof which will be
sent to you, printed on paper, which will be delivered
to you.
On multiple color jobs, we can produce a color proof on our
color output device to show how the different colors will
appear.
Why do I need to look at a proof
if I've already given you everything I need to have done?
We employ human beings to produce your work and, last time
we checked, humans are not perfect. Your approval on the final
proof is assurance that you have looked over every aspect of our
work and approve it as accurate. It benefits everyone if errors
are caught in the proofing process rather than after the job is
completed and delivered.
Do I still need to approve a
proof if I bring my work in on disk?
It may seem like a proof wouldn't be needed in this case but
it really is. Output devices process digital information using a
variety of processing languages. Your approval of the proof
which we will provide assures that the output device used has
correctly interpreted and processed the information you have
provided.
How do I go about getting an
estimate from you?
Well, since you are here, we would suggest you use our
online quote request form. Otherwise, the best way to ensure
that we get all the information necessary to do an accurate
quote, give us a call and talk with one of our customer service
representatives.
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Quick Guide to File
Compression
If you have owned your computer for a year or more, you have
probably run into the problem of large files, and hard-drive
space. The salesman’s promise, “You’ll never use all the space
on this computer!”, sounds more and more like so much
advertising. Once you actually start to use the computer for
more than just the occasional game of solitaire, all of the
programs and assorted emails begin to stack up.
Before you know it you may start getting warning messages like,
“Hard-drive space is running low. Do you want to clean up some
files on your computer?”
Or perhaps you’ve run into a situation where you’ve spent
hours working on a report containing lots of graphics, and
charts, and some spreadsheets. You go to copy the report to a
disk or send it as an email attachment, only to find that it has
morphed into a 15 meg monster of a file.
The best way to combat these kinds of file space problems is
to utilize a simple compression program. The function of a
compression program is to take large files and make them smaller
without changing, or losing any information in the file. It does
this by using a complex set of algorithms and equations that
take the bits of information in the file, reduce the size, and
then remember how to put the files back together. Since a file
is made up of 1000’s of bits of information it can be reduced
from 1000’s down to 100’s without losing information because an
algorithm can predict where those other bits WILL go when the
file is uncompressed later.
Now of course, like everything in the computer world, there
are many different compression programs out there to choose
from. Even though each program uses different algorithms for
their compression, they all compress files about the same. A
typical compression rate for a 100k Word document containing all
text is about 60%-90% of the original file size. With this in
mind, choosing your own favorite compression utility is usually
a matter of personal taste, and ease of use.
One of the most common, and user-friendly programs is called
WinZIP. This program is freely available from
www.winzip.com.
It’s user interface combines functionality, with ease of use by
putting the compression terminology into easy to understand
terms.
Another highly used compression utility is called RAR. The
RAR compression format is an extremely good one for packing
together large programs into one very small file. One of the
best features about this particular program is it’s ability to
take extremely large files, and spread them out over several
smaller files which can be stored on individual floppy disks.
This program is also free to the public at
www.RARsoft.com. A
third extremely popular shareware compressing agent is called
ARJ, and can be found at www.ARJsoft.com. This program has all
the same abilities as RAR, and WinZIP, but just in a different
format, and file extension.
With the various compression utilities out there, it’s nice
to have more than one around so that you can open other people’s
files.
A file with the .arj extension can only be opened with
ARJ, and the .rar extension consequently can only be opened with
the RAR program. Most files on the internet come compressed in
one of these three above formats, and some sites even have 3
differently compressed copies for you to choose from all in the
place.
The world of compression is an important one, simply for the
fact that it allows us a little bit of control over the size of
our computers, and the time which we spend downloading one
another’s files. So when those files come up that just seem
bigger than you can handle, pull out your favorite compression
program, and cut it down to size.
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How To Use Fonts (And Why You Should
Care)
Communication, both face-to-face and in writing, occurs on
two levels: verbal and non-verbal. To achieve maximum impact, it
is essential that this dual communication consistently
corresponds. Think about it. Would you find a snickering
salesperson persuasive? Would you find a monotone motivational
speaker inspiring? No. Not any more than you find your state
Congressperson sincere. Why? Because communication is more than
just words. Because, quite simply, presentation matters. In
writing, size does matter. And spacing. And color. And
everything else.
Presentation is crucial to all forms of communication—most of
all when dealing with written communication. Unlike information
conveyed personally, a written message is static. It must speak
for itself. Expert communicators know that superb content is not
enough. They know that to achieve truly effective communication
one must pay equal attention to how the content is presented.
Contrarily, untrained communicators don’t realize that style
can, and often does, override substance—and corporate trash-cans
nationwide brim with the ridiculed remains of their
ransom-note-like resumes. So how can you enhance the quality of
your presentation? Well, just like Coach used to tell you—put in
your mouthpiece and start with the basics. And basically, the
fundamental element of written communication is font.
But what exactly, you might ask, is font? Put technically,
font is the interface between your ideas and your readers. Put
simply, font is the style of your typeface. Is it big, bold,
crisp, underlined, or colored? Is it spaced well? Is it even
legible? These are all important questions—questions that any
conscientious document creator must answer and act on. But why
are font decisions so critical?
When utilized well, a font or font mix accomplishes four
things: 1) focuses attention, 2) enhances readability, 3) sets a
tone, and 4) projects an image. Font is your first line of
defense against reader apathy—and your first chance to really
capture an audience, create a positive and lasting impression,
and encourage continued interest. Remember, though, while font
can (and should) be used for good, it can also be used for
bad…impressions that is. Every day, writers discover that font
choice is an excellent opportunity to make a mockery of their
work. This in mind, effective font should be chosen both
carefully and strategically. To assist, presented here is a
brief digest of useful font guidelines.
1. WATCH YOUR CASE: As per tradition, for typical documents
you should use upper and lower case text for the body of your
work. Avoid using all upper or lower case text anywhere in your
document, as both can be difficult to read. As for headings and
titles, use upper case lettering whenever prescribed or
necessary.
2. SIZE DOES MATTER: Generally accepted writing guidelines for
typical documents prescribe the use of 10-12 point font for the
body, 14-48 point font for primary headings, and one-half of the
primary heading point size for secondary headings. A warning
though: font on your computer screen may appear larger than it
actually is. If you err, err on the large side. Remember, if
your text is too small to read, it simply won’t get read.
3. KEEP IT SIMPLE: Simplicity is a virtue in writing. Keep
this in mind when choosing a font or font mix. Remember, your
font is supposed to enhance your message, not sabotage it.
Unless it is truly warranted, tend toward simple, inconspicuous
fonts like Times New Roman or Arial. Also, these fonts, among
others, are TrueType—this means that what you see on the screen
is exactly what you will see on the page.
4. BE CONSISTENT:... Font is a privilege, not a right. So
don’t abuse it by using three or four different styles in the
same document. As a rule, never use more than two fonts in the
same piece. Like the saying goes: three fonts is a crowd—on your
reader’s attention. So once you choose a font, be committed and
use it throughout. Your readers will thank you.
5. ...YET USE VARIETY WHEN NEEDED: Although, in general, font
use should be consistent throughout a project, variety is
sometimes needed to break the monotony. One good way to infuse
diversity into a document is via the use of italicized, bold, or
underlined text. These highlighting tools, as well as many
others, are properly used to signal importance, emphasis, even
inflection (see paragraph one). But remember, use them sparingly
or don’t use them at all.
6. ABOVE ALL ELSE: MATCH YOUR MEDIUM: The goal of every
project is different; as is the intended audience, the resources
available, and so on. Accordingly, there isn’t one best font.
Rather, it is the characteristics of your project that determine
which font is superior. Remember, these are just guidelines, not
gospel. If you need uppercase text, use it. A multicolored
paragraph? Do it. Ultimately, the bottom line is: Does your
presentation match your medium? If it does, bravo. If it
doesn’t, it better.
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Know Your PDF
A great, yet cryptic, philosopher king once said: "To know
PDF is to know the universe." Is this true, you expectantly ask?
Is this really true? Well no, sadly it is not. But don’t be
disheartened, for the truth about PDF is of far more practical
value (albeit far less philosophical value). In truth, to know
PDF is to know a dynamic and versatile file format that can
dramatically simplify and expedite document viewing,
integration, and printing. So while it might not bring epiphany,
PDF can most certainly bring efficiency.
And now we get to the "knowing" part. First off, the letters
P, D, and F compose a file extension—one of those three-letter
codes that appear at the end of file names (like
know_pdf_story.pdf). This extension is like a little file
recipe; it describes the file ingredients and tells your
operating system how to prepare it for (electronic) consumption.
Like most file extensions, PDF is also an acronym: short for
Adobe Portable Document Format. Adobe PDF is widely used by
publishers, web writers, graphic designers, and everyday
laypersons; and is generally accepted as the preeminent format
for universal document exchange. But why is PDF so popular?
PDF’s popularity and power originate from its five key
attributes:
Compatible: PDF is a cross-platform file format. This means
that PDF can be used to recreate documents irrespective of where
they were originally created. Also, PDF will preserve the
document’s original style and formatting (including color, font,
and imagery) exactly as they were intended to be seen. With
Adobe Acrobat Reader, virtually anyone, on any computer, with
any platform, running any application version, can recognize,
read, and print identical PDF files. Anyone. You included.
Active: PDF files are highly navigable—this means you can
sail around documents like a mini-Magellan. PDF files contain
highly useful navigation tools like: internal and external
links, structured bookmarks, search capabilities, thumbnail page
views, multi-directional buttons, magnification options, and
more.
Accurate: PDF files are both ultra-printable and
ultra-viewable. PDF utilizes the PostScript language-imaging
model—you know about the PostScript imaging model, right? No?
Good. It would scare me if you did. Just remember that PDF
ensures true, faithful, and crisp printing—the kind of printing
you like. Also, PDF files viewed on-screen retain precise color
regardless of software or hardware variation, and also retain
precise clarity in magnifications upward of 500%.
Convenient: PDF files are both smaller in size than original
source files (e.g. potentially 20% as large as HTML files) and
easier to download and view. PDF documents also offer
page-at-a-time downloading; allowing you to read and revise the
early pages of a document before the entirety has been received.
Further, because of their economical size, you’ll download the
whole document quicker than you would a source file anyway.
Because of these convenient characteristics, PDF files are often
referred to as 7-11 files. Not really, though. Someone might
laugh at you if you called them 7-11 files.
Secure: PDF offers extensive security protections. Users can
assign security passwords to PDF documents before sending them
to maintain strict control over sensitive information. Further,
PDF files can be authenticated and secured with digital
signature technology. A PDF feature known as SelfSign enables
creators and users to restrict and track access to critical
documents through the use of an encoded digital signature. This
feature also enables users to say cool things like, "Sorry,
Glen. It seems you’re not authorized to view this material."
Enough already, you say, I accept that PDF is divinely
inspired. Clearly, the multiple benefits of PDF have now been
sufficiently revealed. Should you need assistance in creating a PDF, please contact our digital department.
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Tips on Paper Selection
Choosing the right paper for a printing job can be a daunting
task. It doesn’t have to be though. When selecting the best
paper type for a particular job, you’re often faced with an
overwhelming number of options. Asking your printer for “white”
is like asking your waiter for “food” — you’ll have to be more
specific than that.
To the educated consumer, the choices don’t seem nearly as
intimidating. Before you order though, you’ve got to know the
menu. Paper has ten characteristics that affect its cost and
appropriateness for a given job.
Surface: The surface of paper affects its look, feel and
printability. When paper is pressed at the mill, it passes
through a series of rollers in a process called calendaring.
Calendaring affects paper in numerous ways. As the extent of
this process increases, paper is made smoother, glossier, more
capable of retaining ink, thinner, less opaque and less bright.
Why does surface matter? Because people do judge books by their
cover.
Color: The color of paper is perhaps the most salient of all
characteristics. White is by far the most popular color and is
generally optimal for conventional usage. Not all white is the
same, however — it runs the gamut from ultra-severe hues to
softer, more antique shades. Photo white paper is best for
accentuating the contrast between light and dark hues.
Off-white sheets produce less glare, and are best used for
publications such as novels or technical manuals that demand
long and uninterrupted attention from readers. When comparing
color, always examine paper under standard viewing conditions
and with minimal atmospheric distractions.
Brightness: The brightness of paper measures the percentage
of light that it reflects. Most papers reflect approximately 60
to 90% of incoming light. Remember: brightness and color are not
the same thing. Unlike the color characteristic (which is highly
subjective and imprecise), brightness is a strictly
quantitative, or measurable, attribute. Brightness is important
because it affects readability — high brightness can cause eye
strain, while low brightness can produce a blurring effect.
Opacity: The opacity of paper is the degree to which other
printing is visible through the page. High opacity, or density,
minimizes the visibility of printing on subsequent pages, thus
enhancing readability. Opacity increases with the bulk and
weight of paper, and is influenced by numerous other factors,
including paper color, ink color, coatings, chemicals and
coverage.
Grain: The grain of paper describes the direction, or
alignment, of its component fibers. Paper grain is either grain
long or grain short. When fibers are patterned parallel to the
length of a sheet, the paper is grain long. When fibers run
parallel to the width of a sheet, the paper is grain short.
Grain direction is a critical factor for print jobs because it
directly affects usage — for example, paper strength,
flexibility, tack and versatility are all impacted by grain
direction.
Weight: The basis weight of paper is calculated as the weight
in pounds of one ream, or five hundred sheets. Each main grade
of paper has a basic size that is used to determine its basis
weight. Remember that paper of equivalent basis weight is not
necessarily of equivalent basic size. Smaller sized paper that
is thicker can possess a basis weight identical to that of
larger, thinner paper. Since paper is sold by the pound,
understanding paper weight is imperative to successful cost
control programs.
Caliper: The caliper of paper is its thickness. Caliper is
measured in thousandths of an inch and referred to as point
size. In this system, .001 inch equals one point — and
eight-point paper would have a thickness of .008 inch. Do not
confuse type point with caliper point. Type point describes the
height of a particular font; caliper point describes paper
thickness.
Bulk: The bulk of paper denotes its thickness relative to its
basis weight. For example, uncalendared paper would have a
higher bulk than gloss coated paper. Remember though that paper
may be bulkier or thicker than another grade, yet still have the
same basis weight.
Size: The size of paper describes its physical dimensions. An
8.5 x 11 sheet is 8.5 inches wide and 11 inches long. Access to
specific information concerning the range of paper sizes
available for any given printing job is essential to containing
costs and ensuring efficient usage.
Quantity: The quantity of paper refers to the number of
sheets bought, sold or used. A ream is a standard unit of
numerical paper quantity. Paper that is “ream-wrapped” is
packaged in a bundle of 500 sheets. Cartons of paper are not
defined by exact numerical specifications, but approximate
weight. Cartons typically weigh around 150 pounds and are used
in practice as a standard unit of sales.
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Developing an Effective Brochure
Keeping Control
There was once a television anchor that kept a typewriter on his
desk at all times. The computer age had taken most newsrooms by
storm, including his, but he was looking for security; a little
bit of control in case the computers crashed just before he had
to go on the air. We’ve all felt that way before. If you’ve ever
had the desire to control the external communications of your
company, developing an effective brochure should be the first
thing you do.
Though the age of technology is booming around us, a printed
brochure will never go out of style. The content should be
focused on the direct message, the look should grab the
attention of the reader and special consideration should be
given to the placement of the finished product. By choosing the
avenue to display or distribute your brochure you can virtually
guarantee your customers ease in coming to you.
Brochures allow for the convenience of brief, targeted
messages directly in the hands of prospective customers. They
ensure the portability that means your message can follow them
to their work place, until they have a spare minute between
appointments or after lunch. Brochures can be printed in a
variety of ways, allowing you to determine your own cost basis.
They can be as simple as black and white copy on a tri-fold
sheet or as complex as text combined with full-color graphic
images and photographs on several pages of glossy paper. A
built-in benefit of the brochure format is that it also allows
customers to easily pass on your information to others.
Crafting the Message
The beauty of a blank page is that you can fill it with whatever
you choose. There are generally two types of brochures to
consider when deciding what will work best for you. A
call-to-action brochure is usually meant for the general public
or a wide range of people where an informative brochure is
usually targeted at a specific audience.
If a call-to-action brochure is what you need, you will want
to give a brief history of the organization or business you’re
highlighting. This type of brochure generally is broad in scope.
Your goal is to inspire a group to either join your organization
or bring their business needs to you. An informative brochure is
what you need if educating your audience about a specific
function or product is the goal. Often a customer will ask for
more specifics about your company and, in this case, an
informative brochure including some history as well as current
operations will be welcomed.
Both formats are effective if done right. It’s important to
keep the following rules in mind. Keeping information general
will extend the shelf life of your finished product. Never
include specific dates or names if your goal is to use this for
a number of years. Consider printing a separate insert with
service or product pricing if it’s likely to change in the near
future. This will allow you to reprint one page instead of the
entire brochure each time something is changed. Keep your copy
brief and eye-catching. Bold-faced fonts and headlines will
catch the attention of your reader and draw their attention to
your message.
If given the choice between a great deal of information and a
color picture that evokes emotion, reduce your text and include
the picture. Emotion is what we base our purchasing decisions
on. A well-placed photo is more likely to capture the attention
of your audience and evoke some emotion than a paragraph of
text.
The Glass is Half Full
Optimism sells! When you’re writing your copy, always look for a
positive way to deliver the message. Always assume a sale, new
customer or financial contribution. Focus on the benefits to the
audience; everyone likes to think they’re getting something out
of the decisions they make. Tell them what great service they
can expect if they come to you to service their car, or what a
great feeling they will get from helping someone else in need.
This is the time to sell yourself!
Always stress a benefit over a feature. Features are great
for information. “This is what my product can do.” Instead, try
telling your audience what that feature will mean to them. “This
feature will save you time when you come to us for service.”
People always like to know that they’re getting the most for
their time and money.
Print enough brochures so that you can cover all the bases.
Place them on your countertop and make sure to restock
regularly. Ask if you can distribute them at the offices of
organizations or companies in related fields to help spread the
word. Remember the brochure will do your speaking for you.
Always include your address, phone number, Web site and e-mail
address so readers can easily seek out more information.
Always carry copies of your brochure with you. They make a
very professional first impression for your group or business
and provide much more information than a business card. Better
yet, attach a business card to your brochure so you can be
prepared to promote your organization wherever you go.
The purpose of a brochure is to gain something directly from
the use of the brochure (i.e., recruit volunteers, gain
financial support, educate prospective customers, etc.). Be sure
that all elements of your brochure support its purpose. The
copy, visual elements, and distribution plan should all be in
line with your final objective.
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Raster Images vs. Vector Graphics
Computer graphics can be created as either raster or vector
images. Raster graphics are bitmaps. A bitmap is a grid of
individual pixels that collectively compose an image. Raster
graphics render images as a collection of countless tiny
squares. Each square, or pixel, is coded in a specific hue or
shade. Individually, these pixels are worthless. Together,
they’re worth a thousand words.
Raster graphics are best used for non-line art images;
specifically digitized photographs, scanned artwork or detailed
graphics. Non-line art images are best represented in raster
form because these typically include subtle chromatic
gradations, undefined lines and shapes, and complex composition.
However, because raster images are pixel-based, they suffer a
malady called image degradation. Just like photographic images
that get blurry and imprecise when blown up, a raster image gets
jagged and rough. Why? Ultimately, when you look close enough,
you can begin to see the individual pixels that comprise the
image. Hence, your raster-based image of Wayne Newton, magnified
to 1000%, becomes bitmapped before you can isolate that ravenous
glint in his eye. Although raster images can be scaled down more
easily, smaller versions often appear less crisp or “softer”
than the original.
To maximize the quality of a raster image, you must keep in
mind that the raster format is resolution-specific — meaning
that raster images are defined and displayed at one specific
resolution. Resolution in raster graphics is measured in dpi, or
dots per inch. The higher the dpi, the better the resolution.
Remember also that the resolution you actually observe on any
output device is not a function of the file’s own internal
specifications, but the output capacity of the device itself.
Thus, high resolution images should only be used if your
equipment has the capability to display them at high resolution.
Better resolution, however, comes at a price. Just as raster
files are significantly larger than comparable vector files,
high resolution raster files are significantly larger than low
resolution raster files. Overall, as compared to vector
graphics, raster graphics are less economical, slower to display
and print, less versatile and more unwieldy to work with.
Remember though that some images, like photographs, are still
best displayed in raster format. Common raster formats include
TIFF, JPEG, GIF, PCX and BMP files. Despite its shortcomings,
raster format is still the Web standard — within a few years,
however, vector graphics will likely surpass raster graphics in
both prevalence and popularity.
Unlike pixel-based raster images, vector graphics are based
on mathematical formulas that define geometric primitives such
as polygons, lines, curves, circles and rectangles. Because
vector graphics are composed of true geometric primitives, they
are best used to represent more structured images, like line art
graphics with flat, uniform colors. Most created images (as
opposed to natural images) meet these specifications, including
logos, letterhead, and fonts.
Inherently, vector-based graphics are more malleable than
raster images — thus, they are much more versatile, flexible and
easy to use. The most obvious advantage of vector images over
raster graphics is that vector images are quickly and perfectly
scalable. There is no upper or lower limit for sizing vector
images. Just as the rules of mathematics apply identically to
computations involving two-digit numbers or two-hundred-digit
numbers, the formulas that govern the rendering of vector images
apply identically to graphics of any size.
Further, unlike raster graphics, vector images are not
resolution-dependent. Vector images have no fixed intrinsic
resolution, rather they display at the resolution capability of
whatever output device (monitor, printer) is rendering them.
Also, because vector graphics need not memorize the contents of
millions of tiny pixels, these files tend to be considerably
smaller than their raster counterparts. Overall, vector graphics
are more efficient and versatile. Common vector formats include
AI, EPS, CGM, WMF and PICT (Mac).
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Understanding Viruses
The first tenet of warfare is this: know thy enemy. So what
exactly are computer viruses? Computer viruses are devious
little computer programs that attach themselves to legitimate
program hosts and then engage in rampant self-replication. It's
easy to be fooled by their small size. Don't be. They're never
small for long. Computer viruses propagate like rabbits -- and
by the time you first recognize their presence, your data may be
permanently damaged or erased.
On this point, however, an important clarification must be
made. Like biological viruses, computer viruses are not
inherently destructive. You're probably harboring a fugitive
cold virus in your body right now, even if you're not actually
sick. With both biological and computer viruses, you can be
infected without being affected. Your computer can be a
veritable hive of viruses without exhibiting any visible
symptoms or actual damage. If not instructed to do otherwise,
viruses will quietly, unobtrusively and perpetually replicate.
They're only destructive if intentionally engineered to be so.
Malicious computer viruses contain 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. It might erase critical
data or program files, reformat your hard drive, or infiltrate
your messaging software and overload the local network with
authorless e-mail. But not all computer viruses are created
equal. Some are full of sound and fury, yet signify nothing.
Others are silent but deadly. In general, though, computer
viruses are of three main types:
Macro Viruses: These are the most prevalent type of virus
today. Unlike conventional viruses which can attach to virtually
any program, macro viruses prey on specific programs. A macro
itself is an instruction code that automatically executes other
program commands. Many popular and prominent software
applications utilize macros extensively. Essentially, macro
viruses are macros that embed within a program and
self-replicate.
Macro viruses that run on Microsoft applications like Word
and Excel are particularly common -- chiefly because certain
programming strategies employed by these applications make them
particularly susceptible. Macro viruses work like this: when an
infected document is initially opened, the macro virus embeds
itself in the associated application and then proceeds to attach
itself to every subsequent document created. In this way, the
macro virus is unwittingly disseminated whenever the user
transfers a document.
Parasitic Viruses: These are the most infectious type of
virus. Parasitic viruses attach themselves to executable
programs like .com or .exe files. Once an infected file is
launched, the virus is free to replicate itself, embed in
primary memory, or release its payload. Further, it can corrupt
not just specific programs, but virtually any program being
processed in RAM.
Boot Sector Viruses: The boot sector is essential software
that resides on hard, floppy or optical disk, and is responsible
for loading your operating system into memory at the start of a
computing session. Boot sector viruses penetrate this vital boot
sector and alter its contents. As opposed to macro viruses, boot
sector viruses are spread not by sharing documents, but
diskettes. Whenever new diskettes are introduced to a previously
infected computer, the boot sector virus is transferred to the
healthy diskette, which then conveys the virus to other
computers, and so on.
These are all considered true computer viruses. Another
commonly observed form of computer pestilence (though not
literally a virus) is the worm. Worms differ from viruses in
that they do not require a host to wreak their havoc. Other
viruses are referred to as Trojan Horses. Trojan Horses are
viruses that masquerade as legitimate programs, documents or
other software, only to reveal their true function later. Trojan
Horse viruses are often spread through e-mail or online bulletin
boards.
Certainly no one would knowingly expose their computer to a
virus. Unknowingly, however, thousands daily place their
machines in peril. Ignorance is no excuse, though -- an ounce of
prevention is worth a pound of cure. The following are some
common troubleshooting techniques for keeping your computer
virus-free:
- Always rely on a reputable anti-virus software application
like Norton or McAfee.
- Always scan new files, diskettes or software before loading
them on your machine.
- Always back-up critical software or files to avoid permanent
loss due to infection or deletion.
- Always be wary of strange operating tics or unusual graphics.
- Always ensure vigilance from the other members on your
computer or network.
- Always write-protect your system and program disks.
- Always enable Macro Virus Protection in all Microsoft
applications.
- Never share diskettes or software without assuring their
integrity.
- Never download e-mail or Internet files/programs without
scanning them first.
- Never act on an e-mail virus alert without confirmation from
an IT professional or trustworthy resource.
- Never boot your system with a diskette other than the
original.
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Scanning for Different Media
The process and applications of a scanner are relatively
simplistic. It acts and functions much like a copier. It has the
same little scanning bar that blinds you if you look into it,
and instead of feeding paper (though a rare few do) it transmits
the scanned object into your computer and allows you to alter it
digitally. In that respect, a scanner can far surpass the
average office copier.
Color Scanning
Scanning color pictures can be fun, but it’s also very
challenging. You may expect to get the same quality and detail
as the original, but that’s not always the case.
A critical part of any scan is determining the proper
resolution, or dpi (dots per inch) setting. Most scanning
software allows you to select from a range of settings, usually
between 75-6000 dpi. Of course, individual settings depend on
the quality of the scanner you’re using, and technological
possibilities are expanding all the time.
Generally speaking, the greater the dpi (or higher the
resolution), means a better quality scan. It also means that
you’ve created a larger file. A typical 400 dpi color scan can
be as large as two megabytes, whereas a 100 dpi black and white
scan is somewhere between 50-100 kilobytes. There is also a
major difference in the smoothness of color shading. The edges
of the scanned picture become more jagged and irregular when
using a lower resolution setting.
The advantage to scanning in pictures at a lower resolution
is that the files are not as large, and can be easily attached
to an e-mail or saved to a floppy disk. A 400 dpi file takes a
long time to transfer on a slower machine, and is too large to
fit on only a single disk. The disadvantage, however, is that
the lower resolution creates a lower quality picture. Photo
images found on the Web are usually scanned at 72 dpi. While
they look great on your screen, these photos will not print on a
color printer very clearly.
Black & White Scanning
In scanning black and white text or photocopies, the concern
over resolution is not as great. Whether it’s photos or text,
contrast is just as important as resolution. Sometimes you’ll
need to darken the black or grays to add contrast against a
white background. Adjusting contrast can cause otherwise
unnoticeable scratches or particles to appear. Using Photoshop,
you can easily increase or decrease contrast once a scan is
completed.
Another thing to be aware of is the quality of the original
you are scanning. The scanned picture can never be better than
it’s original, and you must keep in mind that there are always
minor deficiencies, scratches, or other imperfections that will
be enhanced by the scan. Keeping the glass on your scanner
clean, and double-checking for wrinkles, smears and other debris
on the original will usually lead to a high-quality scan.
In scanning different kinds of media, the best thing to do is
experiment. Once you have some of the basic principles down,
you’ll start to see more and more ways to apply them, and even
begin to think of new things you might want to try. Play around
with scanning objects other than pictures or documents. Most
mid-range scanners can capture almost anything that will fit on
the glass. Just keep trying different things and don’t get
discouraged if success is slow to come. Proper scanning
techniques can take years to refine.
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Leading Causes of Additional Charges and
Schedule Delays
- Job Supplied in Non-supported Application
- Media Not Labeled Clearly
- Please include page range within file name (eg:
filenameOOl-050)
- Only Include Necessary Files, Fonts, Graphics, Etc.
- Needed To Output Job Missing Fonts (Screen & Printer
Fonts)
- Printing Missing Image Files
- Spine Size Wrong / Print Too Large For Spine
- Inconsistent Margins / Not Enough Margin Allowed
- Inconsistent Page Number Placement
- Adjustments Needed to Halftones
- Bleed Items Don’t Extend 1/8”
- Type/Graphics Less Than 1/8” from Trim or Punch
(Type/Graphics Need To Be 3/4” From Bind)
- Images Are RGB Mode - Not CMYK, Spot or
Grayscale
- Color Separations Not Made Correctly
- Trapping Not Set
- All Fonts Used in EPS Files Not Included
- File Size Doesn’t Match Quote
- Page Count Doesn’t Match Quote
- Pagination Not Correct
- Low Resolution Graphics (less than 150 dpi)
- Not Embedding or Subsetting Fonts in PDF
- Incorrect Distiller Settings Resulting in Low
Resolutions When Making PDFs
- All Graphic Links Not Correctly Linked
- Trim Size Incorrect in File
- Not Stuffing or Zipping Font Folders/Suitcases
- Not Double Checking Your Work to See If It Will Output
From Your Media
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Types of Binding
Various options offer a binding solution just right for your
project. Take a closer look at alternatives that will make your
project functional and attractive. Your Western account executive
will be happy to provided guidance for a binding selection best
suited to your project.
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