* Dr. Internet columnist Steve Blass offers advice on how to create a PDF file from a Word document Are there any open source software tools for creating PDF files from Word documents?A program called GhostWord provides the ability to click an icon in a Word toolbar and generate PDF files. GhostWord and GhostScript work together to create a PostScript version of the document and then that to PDF. In typical open source fashion you need to install three software packages in the proper order. First, install GhostScript, available at www.ghostscript.com. Second, install the Adobe Postscript Driver available from www.adobe.com/support/downloads. Install the PostScript print driver as a Local printer and choose File for the printer port. This installs a virtual PostScript printer on your system to be used in creating PDF files. Third, install GhostWord, available from www.et.dtu.dk/Software/GhostWord. After GhostWord is installed, start Word. You should notice a new toolbar icon for GhostWord labeled DOC/PDF on the far right of the Word toolbar line. Clicking this GhostWord icon brings up a conversion dialog. Select the PostScript printer you just installed and click Convert. The system will generate your PDF document and launch Acrobat Reader to display the result.Blass is a network architect at Change@Work in Houston. He can be reached at dr.internet@changeatwork.com Related content news Broadcom to lay off over 1,200 VMware employees as deal closes The closing of VMware’s $69 billion acquisition by Broadcom will lead to layoffs, with 1,267 VMware workers set to lose their jobs at the start of the new year. By Jon Gold Dec 01, 2023 3 mins Technology Industry Technology Industry Markets news analysis Cisco joins $10M funding round for Aviz Networks' enterprise SONiC drive Investment news follows a partnership between the vendors aimed at delivering an enterprise-grade SONiC offering for customers interested in the open-source network operating system. By Michael Cooney Dec 01, 2023 3 mins Network Management Software Network Management Software Network Management Software news Cisco CCNA and AWS cloud networking rank among highest paying IT certifications Cloud expertise and security know-how remain critical in building today’s networks, and these skills pay top dollar, according to Skillsoft’s annual ranking of the most valuable IT certifications. Demand for talent continues to outweigh s By Denise Dubie Nov 30, 2023 7 mins Certifications Certifications Certifications news Mainframe modernization gets a boost from Kyndryl, AWS collaboration Kyndryl and AWS have expanded their partnership to help enterprise customers simplify and accelerate their mainframe modernization initiatives. By Michael Cooney Nov 30, 2023 4 mins Mainframes Mainframes Mainframes Podcasts Videos Resources Events NEWSLETTERS Newsletter Promo Module Test Description for newsletter promo module. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe