How do experts install freeware CutePDF Writer into "C:\My Programs"?

[Susan Sharm]

Does anyone know how to install CutePDF into a properly designated
directory?

I like the freeware CutePDF Writer which creates PDF files on Windows
from any file. And, I don't mean to look any freeware horse in the
mouth ... but ... It really irks me when an installer is so dumb as to
not allow you to install a program properly where it belongs, in a
task-based directory tree (I'm sure Adobe Acrobat PDFWriter installs
wherever you what it to go).

I mean, nobody I know uses "Program Files" to install into on Windows
XP anymore.
That horribly unorganized "Program Files" flat directory structure is
such a Microsoft mess that nobody can organize it properly, IMHO.

On the contrary, for many years I have kept a very well organized
"C:\My Programs" set of basic directories where the directory tree is
organized by task (not brand names).

The problem is the freeware CutePDF installers located at
http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp does not respect the
need by most of us to install where we want.

Since CutePDF is freeware, I can't complain. But, before I use
something drastic such as COA32 to change the address from the silly
marketing BS directory "C:\Program Files\Acro Software\CutePDF Writer"
to a much more logical and well organized directory tree under "C:\My
Programs\Conversion Tools\CutePDF", I figured it was worth asking the
experts how they resolved the issue themselves (many of you must have
run into this problem before).

How do you install the freeware CutePDF Writer where it belongs on your
system?

 

[The Six Million Dollar Man]

Does anyone know how to install CutePDF into a properly designated
directory?

I like the freeware CutePDF Writer which creates PDF files on Windows
from any file. And, I don't mean to look any freeware horse in the
mouth ... but ... It really irks me when an installer is so dumb as to
not allow you to install a program properly where it belongs, in a
task-based directory tree (I'm sure Adobe Acrobat PDFWriter installs
wherever you what it to go).

I mean, nobody I know uses "Program Files" to install into on Windows
XP anymore.
That horribly unorganized "Program Files" flat directory structure is
such a Microsoft mess that nobody can organize it properly, IMHO.

On the contrary, for many years I have kept a very well organized
"C:\My Programs" set of basic directories where the directory tree is
organized by task (not brand names).

The problem is the freeware CutePDF installers located at
http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp does not respect the
need by most of us to install where we want.

Since CutePDF is freeware, I can't complain. But, before I use
something drastic such as COA32 to change the address from the silly
marketing BS directory "C:\Program Files\Acro Software\CutePDF Writer"
to a much more logical and well organized directory tree under "C:\My
Programs\Conversion Tools\CutePDF", I figured it was worth asking the
experts how they resolved the issue themselves (many of you must have
run into this problem before).

How do you install the freeware CutePDF Writer where it belongs on your
system?

I haven't used Cute PDF in a long time. I wonder if this behaviour is
related to the necessity to install GhostScript separately.

I now use PrimoPDF http://primopdf.com/ , which has recently been
greatly improved in version 2. No third party programs need to be
installed separately.

 

[Susan Sharm]

I wonder if this behaviour is related to the necessity to install
GhostScript separately.
I use PrimoPDF http://primopdf.com
No third party programs need to be installed separately.

This is great! I was wondering WHY GhostScript had to be installed
first before CutePDF Writer could work. On the CutePDF web page
(http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp) was a link for a
similarly broken installer for what they call GPL GhostScript version
8.15 (http://www.cutepdf.com/download/converter.exe ) which, like the
CutePDF Writer installation program, also blindly installs into the
horridly unorganized flat C:\Program Files directory, filled with
haphazard and impossible to organize directories.

Neither program gave the user a chance to put these programs where they
belong (in a task-based directory tree). Perhaps, (being freeware), the
developers figured it was best (for them) if we didn't have a choice.
It makes sense from their perspective.

However, if PrimoPDF allows me to install where it belongs, e.g., into
"C:\My Programs\Conversion Tools\PrimoPDF", then I'll undelete CutePDF
Writer in favor of the PrimoPDF writer at once.

This seems a better alternative than trying to move CutePDF &
GhostScript to where they belong.

Thank you for your astute advice,
Susan

 

[Susan Sharm]

I use PrimoPDF http://primopdf.com

Oh my!

The freeware PrimoPDF (http://primopdf.com) installed easier and
quicker on Windows XP than CutePDF Writer
(http://www.cutepdf.com/Products/CutePDF/writer.asp) did and without
the need for a secondary program such as GhostScript
(http://www.ghostscript.com/) to also be co-installed!

Like the CutePDF Writer, PrimoPDF created a selectable printer in
Start, Settings, Printers and Faxes named "PrimoPDF". However, unlike
the CutePDF Writer, PrimoPDF seems to have more user configurable
options such as automatic launching the Adobe Acrobat Reader on the
printed-to-PDF results, security options, document properties, etc.

Neither CutePDF nor PrimoPDF seems to allow you to select whether or
not to embed all fonts (I am not sure if they embed anything or
everything at this point).

But, best of all, the CutePDF installer allows you to install the
program where it belongs!

Thank you for you astute advice - I've deleted CutePDF Writer from my
system as it seems to have nothing whatsoever over PrimoPDF (or did I
miss something important that CutePDF has over PrimoPDF)?

I love you guys,
Susan

 

[Aandi Inston]

(I'm sure Adobe Acrobat PDFWriter installs
wherever you what it to go).

1. PDFWriter is obsolete, not included with any current version of
Acrobat.

2. PDFWriter is a print driver, it has to be installed into system
folders.

3. Acrobat does install other files to Program Files (which can be
redirected), and to the system folders and to Common Files (which
cannot be redirected in the installer).

I mean, nobody I know uses "Program Files" to install into on Windows
XP anymore.

Odd, everyone I know does. Your milage varies.

That horribly unorganized "Program Files" flat directory structure is
such a Microsoft mess that nobody can organize it properly, IMHO.

I don't know, I find the Program Files\Manufacturer name\Product name
structure works pretty well when I want to find stuff.

I agree it's impolite to write an installer that doesn't offer a
choice, but it seems fairly moot, as so many things now go off to the
system, to Common Files, and especially to the Windows Installer
directories, that the actual program location is becoming almost an
afterthought.

 

[Logan Shaw]

Does anyone know how to install CutePDF into a properly designated
directory?

No, I use the Mac, which by default can create PDF files from any
program that can print, with no third-party software installed or
anything. I suppose I could switch to Windows if I wanted to endure
hassles like this, but it doesn't seem like a very compelling value
proposition.

Why are you posting this to misc.consumers-frugal-living, anyway?

- Logan

 

[Logan Shaw]

Thank you for you astute advice - I've deleted CutePDF Writer from my
system as it seems to have nothing whatsoever over PrimoPDF (or did I
miss something important that CutePDF has over PrimoPDF)?

Nope, PrimoPDF has everything that CutePDF has and more. PrimoPDF
even has on extra special feature: a Usenet shill named Susan.

Or at least so it would appear...

- Logan

 

[Reg Edit]

(e-mail address removed) (Aandi Inston) wrote in @read.news.uk.uu.net:

Odd, everyone I know does. Your milage varies.

Odd ........ everyone I know uses C as an OS drive and installs programs to
a different drive. But then, I only know real pc users.

 

[Susan Sharm]

I use the Mac, which by default can create PDF files from any
program that can print

Why are you posting this to misc.consumers-frugal-living, anyway?

The Mac is a wonderful system. It always was. That's why Apple enjoyed
50% margins on HARDWARE in the olden days (which is an absolutely huge
& amazing accomplishment)!

I never understood why the DOS (and then Windows) PC beat the Mac
soundly. The Mac had everthing except cost (for hardware & software)
over the PC. Sigh. The PC won (at least in my household) on cost alone
many years after my last "PowerMac" but you are correct. PostScript has
always been a forte of the Apple Macintosh systems.

Back to your question. Isn't misc.consumers.frugal-living for people
who widely employ freeware software (among other things frugal)?

I'll remove misc.consumers.frugal-living in all the remaining posts (I
only added it back here to respond to your query).

Susan

 

[Morten Skarstad]

That horribly unorganized "Program Files" flat directory structure is
such a Microsoft mess that nobody can organize it properly, IMHO.

It is still better than the C:\ flat directory structure of pre-95 Windows.
Except that in english (and probably other) versions of Windows "Program
files" includes a whitespace in the directory name.</offtopic>

That being said, I totally agree that every installer should have an option
about where you want to install. Personally I prefer to direct them to
"D:\Program files".

 

[Susan Sharm]

PDFWriter has to be installed into system folders.
Acrobat does install to Common Files (which cannot be redirected in the installer).
I find the Program Files\Manufacturer name\Product name structure works

Hi Aandi,

Thank you for your response. I'm ok with PDF conversion programs
installing into the Windows system folders as they are not "normally"
something the user is supposed to organize. However, the "program
files" folder starts off in such a disorganized mess that I don't know
anyone who understands it fully and completely.

The common files location really belongs in the Windows folder. Unless
I missed the point totally of "common files", how does what goes in
there any different than the miriad of common files which also go into
the Windows system folders?

In stark contrast, my thoughtful C:\My Programs is organized such that
it matches FIVE other hierarchies perfectly!

1. The hierarchical structure in "My Programs" is the same in my Start
Menu (I gave up trying to organize the main start menu so I created a
"My Programs" shortcut hierarchy above it that I control.

2. The hierarchical structure in "My Programs" is the same in "My
Application Data". Instead of the jumbled mess that Microsoft supplies,
the "My Application Data" simply uses the same hierarchy as "My
Programs".

3. Likewise with "My Installers". I save every installer in a hierarchy
that exactly matches the hierarchy they will be installed into.

4. Same with the "Send To" menu (although for some programs, you'd
never want to send data to it via this method). Still, it's refreshing
that on PC after PC, I enjoy the same well organized hierarchically
thoughtful locations, time after time.

5. All of the above hierarchies all exactly match that of "My
Programs".

Anyway, I DO appreciate the response and the thoughtful information and
I will try to be courteous and thoughtful in all my replies too!

Susan

 

[Shawn Hirn]

The Mac is a wonderful system. It always was. That's why Apple enjoyed
50% margins on HARDWARE in the olden days (which is an absolutely huge
& amazing accomplishment)!

I never understood why the DOS (and then Windows) PC beat the Mac
soundly. The Mac had everthing except cost (for hardware & software)
over the PC. Sigh. The PC won (at least in my household) on cost alone
many years after my last "PowerMac" but you are correct. PostScript has
always been a forte of the Apple Macintosh systems.

Back to your question. Isn't misc.consumers.frugal-living for people
who widely employ freeware software (among other things frugal)?

I'll remove misc.consumers.frugal-living in all the remaining posts (I
only added it back here to respond to your query).

No. There are plenty of newsgroups where computer questions are
appropriate. Just look in the "comp" newsgroup hierarchy.

 

[Rod Speed]

Logan Shaw wrote

The Mac is a wonderful system. It always was. That's why
Apple enjoyed 50% margins on HARDWARE in the olden
days (which is an absolutely huge & amazing accomplishment)!

I never understood why the DOS (and then Windows)
PC beat the Mac soundly. The Mac had everthing except
cost (for hardware & software) over the PC. Sigh.

Wrong, it had its own downsides. Still does, the support for
more obscure hardware like say digital TV capture is pathetic.

The PC won (at least in my household) on cost alone many
years after my last "PowerMac" but you are correct. PostScript
has always been a forte of the Apple Macintosh systems.

Back to your question. Isn't misc.consumers.frugal-living for people
who widely employ freeware software (among other things frugal)?

Not necessarily, most obviously with those
who choose to use MS products for free.

And quite a few get MS products for free
as part of free or dirt cheap hardware too.

Frugal aint just about what is free, its more about
what has the capability you want at the best price.

 

[Aandi Inston]

The common files location really belongs in the Windows folder. Unless
I missed the point totally of "common files", how does what goes in
there any different than the miriad of common files which also go into
the Windows system folders?

I disagree (and so do Microsoft). Common files are application level
files shared by more than one application, but not part of the system.

In fact, the tendency to dump everything into the system has led to
the "DLL hell" from which we are only now starting to escape.

Common files is one of over a dozen special purpose folders, and its
default location is c:\program files\Common files (in English
systems). It has data and programs shared between different suites,
typically by the same vendor. My Common Files\Adobe folder contains
42 folder and 677 files. My Common Files\Microsoft Shared folder
contains a similar number. Overall there is over 500 MB in over 2000
files.

2. The hierarchical structure in "My Programs" is the same in "My
Application Data". Instead of the jumbled mess that Microsoft supplies,
the "My Application Data" simply uses the same hierarchy as "My
Programs".

Although you can move the Documents and settings\USERNAME\Application
Data folder, I don't see that you can change the internal arrangement
at all, since these names are usually built into programs.

 

[JeffM]

I use PrimoPDF http://primopdf.com

PrimoPDF even has on extra special feature:
a Usenet shill named Susan.
Logan Shaw

Well, let's review.

The Six Million Dollar Man advocated an all-in-one solution
that gave the file structure the OP requested.

The OP said that was exacty what she was seeking.

Ergo, we have 2 contented customers
who reject a solution that was inferior for their purposes.
..
..
I will concede that for someone who already has GhostScript installed,
that may not be the case:
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...eator+CutePDF+"PDF+Creator"+Paperless-Printer

A word of warning: If you value your teeth,
you should avoid labeling "contented customers" as "shills" in
Meatspace.

 

[Bob Ward]

Well, let's review.

The Six Million Dollar Man advocated an all-in-one solution
that gave the file structure the OP requested.

The OP said that was exacty what she was seeking.

Ergo, we have 2 contented customers
who reject a solution that was inferior for their purposes.
.
.
I will concede that for someone who already has GhostScript installed,
that may not be the case:
http://66.102.7.104/search?q=cache:...eator+CutePDF+"PDF+Creator"+Paperless-Printer

A word of warning: If you value your teeth,
you should avoid labeling "contented customers" as "shills" in
Meatspace.

Or we have a pair of sockpuppets.

And my teeth are fine, thankyouverymuch.

It's a lot easierto make such threats from behind your keyboard, isn't
it?

 

[Ivan Tisljar]

I mean, nobody I know uses "Program Files" to install into on Windows
XP anymore.
That horribly unorganized "Program Files" flat directory structure is
such a Microsoft mess that nobody can organize it properly, IMHO.

There is one thing called "guidance for programming for windows", and
it specifies where should shared files go, and program installations,
if you want 100% microsoft compatible software.

Noone is forcing you to install into program files, but be aware that
you are minority then. Even though it seems to you that it isn't true.
I still install all my games into C:\GAMES\, it's leftover from DOS.
But it is not standard. Everything is designed do reside in program
files.

Program Files are well organised - if you know your system at least a
bit. And I don't see the difference with installing into C:\Program
files\ or C:\My programs\ except for some strange way of showing
Microsoft that you are different

Ivan.

--

"Ego autem quia veritatem dico non creditis mihi."
visit me/posjetite me @ http://hlloyge.cjb.net/
-=delete _system_ to mail me=-

Foobar is not active ;-)

 

[JeffM]

Ergo, we have 2 contented customers

Or we have a pair of sockpuppets.
Bob Ward
Perhaps.
..
..

And my teeth are fine, thankyouverymuch.
It's a lot easierto make such threats from behind your keyboard,
isn't it?

Not a threat from me. I don't have a horse in that race..
Unless your name is Logan Shaw,
you have no stake in this either.

It was clearly labeled as a warning.
I was noting that calling people names in Cyberspace
has no health consequences,
but that that does not necessarily extrapolate.

 

[The Real Bev]

I agree it's impolite to write an installer that doesn't offer a
choice, but it seems fairly moot, as so many things now go off to the
system, to Common Files, and especially to the Windows Installer
directories, that the actual program location is becoming almost an
afterthought.

I figure it's safer to install a program where it wants to go. When I used
win95 exclusively I was pickier, and installed everything into its own
subdirectory right off c:\, with the associated data files, pictures, docs,
also right off c:\. Now I only use it for a few things and just don't care as
long as I can put the data files where I want them -- with SHORT pathnames.

 

[Logan Shaw]

I wrote that.

I did not write that text. If you would kindly refrain using
a quoting style that makes it appear that I wrote things which
I did not write (in this case making it appear that I signed
my name in a way that I did not), I would appreciate it.

Well, let's review.

The Six Million Dollar Man advocated an all-in-one solution
that gave the file structure the OP requested.

The OP said that was exacty what she was seeking.

Ergo, we have 2 contented customers
who reject a solution that was inferior for their purposes.

After looking at it again, I agree it's possible she's not a
shill. Going against the shill idea, we have the fact that
she described a competing product in much more detail than a
shill would want to. But supporting the shill idea is the
fact that this was crossposted to numerous newsgroups, one
of which is irrelevant, and she posted not one but TWO posts
that were full of multiple paragraphs of excitement about
the product. Back on the other hand, going against the shill
idea is the fact that PrimoPDF seems to be freeware, a fact
I was not aware of since I don't keep up with Windows software.

So, I remain undecided on the shill issue. Which is of course
what the "so it would appear" that I wrote was meant to convey.

- Logan