Re: [gentoo-user] [ot] PDF or PS format for daily use?

[Antoine]

Zhang Weiwu wrote:
> Hello. I have got a lot (much more) ps files and PDF files since I start to
> use Linux. In the past there were mostly doc files but now I always prefer
> to have a PS or PDF copy to ease the compatibility pain. And looks linux
> people always prefer to send me a PS or PDF document.
>
> Because I always save two copies of every of my document, one in original
> format (eg. odt) and another in printable format for my colleagues in case
> they don't have the Linux fonts and software. Here comes the question should
> I keep a PS copy or PDF copy.
>
> I think PDF copy is absolutely the prefered format because:
> * easier to find acrobat reader;
> * can be 'Tagged', especially used with OOo;
> * possibility to 'copy and paste', though format will be lost;
> * not to take other people by surprise with unfamiliar PS extension;
> * different quanlity: I can save PDF in very high quanlity that I was told
> "can be taken to press house"
> * easy to convert to PS format when needed.
>
> Here comes the question: if the above all stands true, why do I ever need PS
> format at all? There might be some reasons to keep this format still
> existing. Perhaps in other areas, other then office work.
>
> So the conclusion: for typical office workers, we can forget PS format.
>
> Now welcome for suggestions.

I think the key to this whole story is the second to last line above. 
"for typical office workers" says it all. I think you are quite right to 
say you can forget PS format. You could probably stick with pdf if you 
only need the documents for 2-5 years. PDF is very much industry 
standard for archiving, and isn't going away soon.
I would *definitely* think about keeping documents (if you are going to 
go to the trouble of archiving and all that) in text format, probably 
xml like odt or even m$ xml, because if the data are valuable then 
finding something to read it in 50 years will probably be difficult. The 
EU is looking like it will go that way just like Massachusetts - no 
reason why you shouldn't either. You will ALWAYS be able to find or 
create a tool to get decently printed and onscreen presentation from 
well marked up plaintext.
Cheers
Antoine
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