Publisher Viewer

I hate Publisher. Have never understood why people use it, when Word will do anything Publisher can do, and will do it much better. Therefore, I don't really want to install it on my PC.

So rant over, here's my problem. One of my directors insists on sending Publisher files to people, and occasionally I have to work on them (converting them to PDF and the like). Does anyone know of another Application or Viewer that will either import Publisher files, or view and print them. Even my trusty old OpenOffice won't open them.

I've done Google, Altavista, and Yahoo searches and drawn a blank. As a last hope, does anyone here know of such software? I can only assume that it's difficult to find one because it's such a noddy bit of software.

Yes, I know I am going to be flamed by lovers of Publisher - but I don't care. I'm a bearded buffoon, and it does me good to air my prejudices - or so my mother tells me (she doesn't use Publisher either).

 

Older versions of Publisher offered the download of a "free trial" which, after the trial period ended, worked as a Publisher viewer.

So far, all I can find is a site where you can order a Publisher trial version on CD from Microsoft. They don't offer it as a download, you have to order the CD and pay $7.95 "shipping and handling." When it expires, it also acts as a Publisher viewer.

 

Miz,

That's interesting. I did find download sites for the trial version of Publisher while I was searching for a viewer. However, I didn't spot the possiblity that some functionality might remain after the trial version had timed out. An interesting possiblity that I will now investigate.

Thank you. I'll post back with my findings.

 

Miz,

You were right in every detail. On looking again, I couldn't find a download. It seems you do have to order a trial version. Also at the end of the trial period the program does revert to a reduce functionality. If that's view and print, I'll be happy. I've ordered my copy - I just have to wait for it to arrive and have a play.

Thank you again.

 

You're welcome. And I agree with you about Publisher. I've got it but I don't even install it.