Expert Advice: Software Tips

I don't insist on keeping a "paperless office" but I do try to keep the amount of stuff I print to a minimum. I've learned that the best way to save Web pages, tax receipts, paperwork, and other things I want to retain is by converting them into PDF files, and storing them on my computer. I use PDF to save scanned bills and travel receipts. They are much easier to organize than paper-based records.

PDF is short for Portable Document Format. The nice thing about this format is that is retains an accurate look and feel of the font, images, and design of any document you save as a PDF. You also have the option of printing a PDF to paper at any time, should the need arise.

If you have a Mac, it's very easy to save a file as a PDF. Just select "Print" from the "File" menu, but instead of clicking the "Print" button on the right, click the "PDF" button on the left. Select "Save as PDF" from the drop-down menu, then select where you'd like to save the file.

Windows* users need to download a utility to save files in the PDF format. A good, free one is CutePDF Writer which lets you save files as PDFs using Microsoft's "Print" dialog box.

Once you start using PDF files, you'll wonder how you ever managed without them.