Got the same problem with Miller's welder repair manuals. They are in PDF format, but use a crappy Windows-only frontend for indexing, etc.(which barely runs in Windows. What extra-sucks is that the first year they released manuals they were on 2 CDs and all PDF. They all had links for each part in the breakdown so that clicking on it automatically brought up the price and added it to a printable parts requisition. All this through a plugin that would only work with that old version of Acrobat Reader. After that, they went to the new system, but only one CD. They saved space by dropping manuals on the old stuff. Each new version tries to make you uninstall the previous year's program. Sometimes I've been able to install several versions at once, but can't seem to force them to all pull from the same data directory. Therefore, I end up with several copies of the exact same manuals installed in different directories (I know hard drive space is cheap these days, but come on!). This year they sent it out on DVD and appear to have put the old stuff back in. Good move, but still don't see why they can't keep the links in place and offer the option to install only new manuals and simply provide a new index and current price list each year (in PDF or HTML format). These days I have to find a part number, write or type it and then look it up in the paper price book. Currently, I've resorted to installing it on my Windows box and using VNC to access it from my Kubuntu box in the garage. This, plus my accounting program are the only thinks holding me back from ditching Windows entirely. (In all fairness, I've found XP to be quite stable compared to the older DOS-based versions). Linux has come a LONG way from what it used to be as well. I remember having the hardest time configuring the oldest versions to dial up and connect to my old ISP, when I could do it in a few clicks in Windows. Now, however, imagine my surprise when I was able to watch some videos on the Kubuntu box that I had to work at to get the XP box to play. Automatix2's codec installation is the bomb-diggity!

 

"Currently, I've resorted to installing it on my Windows box and using VNC to access it from my Kubuntu box in the garage."

Greetz fellow Kubuntu and VNC user! I install tsclient and then VNC so I can use both VNC and RDP depending on need. When the wife wants me to view a post or link I VNC to her machine, and when I do remote maintenance on a Windows comp I prefer RDP (Control-Alt-Delete etc works with it and it seems to have more stable connections).

 

Did the same thing ... a 50' run of Cat5, 4 twisted pairs, RG59U and a 10/3 romex.

The romex is just stubbed in right now. It's for future consideration.