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ORIGINAL: Stephann

I bought a Canon Rebel Xti like new.  It didn't have an instruction manual.  No problem, I downloaded the thing from Canon.

The manual is a pdf file; no problem, I have Acrobat.  I start printing.  Wait.  Every page had COPY splattered all over it in big black letters, making the manual useless.

An hour later, I determine that the orginal PDF file has security settings to prevent alteration.  Every time I export the file, it has the same COPY on it.  I download a handy program that strips the copy protection.  Same problem.

Another hour later, I learn that PDF files also have layers.  Yet this particular layer isn't just invisible; its been hard coded in.

Finally, an hour later, I figured out that if I optimize the PDF file and discard hidden elements (namely the hidden COPY image plastered on every page.) 

Why... oh why do I bother? More importantly, why do companies go to such extensive lengths to complicate documents that will become obsolete within a year?

Stephan

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Ironitulstahp:  i'm a  closeted nerd with a strong attraction to geeks.  something about a man who can figure out a 500 page owner's manual.  They usually have no trouble tweaking all my girly parts...with precision.

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dcnovice:   Do real geeks look at manuals, though? [:)]

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ORIGINAL: Emperor1956

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dcnovice: Do real geeks look at manuals, though? [:)]

Of course they do. Where do you think "RTFM" comes from?

E.