Drumlin Reader/Publisher - Help

1. Installing the Drumlin reader/publisher - please check the following first (and check the FAQs page also):

  • Make sure the PC onto which the Drumlin reader is to be installed is the one on which you wish to read the documents, and that the PC has a live internet connection (preferably broadband). If you are installing on a stand-alone PC it is essential that you first check it either has Microsoft .NET2 framework installed or you have the dotnetfx.exe installation file available (e.g. on CD) which you can install separately. It is not necessary to uninstall .NET1 first if this is already installed. Click here for an Installation Guide (PDF)
  • You have downloaded the complete zip file, extracted the two included files (setup.exe and the .msi data file) to a temporary directory
  • You have run the setup program and followed the installation instructions, including installing the Microsoft .NET2 framework if necessary (see note, above) 
  • You have run the installed reader (e.g. by clicking on the desktop icon created during installation) and optionally complete the registration process (Mac users should click the Drumlin for Mac link/start menu item). Once registered you will recieve an email confirming registration and your details. You must be registered if you wish to use the Publish function or to read documents that other publishers have marked to only be read by registered users
  • Have a look at the FAQs page and the Drumlin blog for more information and support

2. Drumlin reader/publisher - basic facilities:

  • Please open and read the Welcome.pdf which provides an extensive description of the software and its functions
  • DRM files: The Drumlin reader supports basic viewing and printing functions for Drumlin secured PDF documents (.DRM files) and for conventional PDF files. There are two types of DRM file: locally generated DRM files, which have restrictions on the number of times they can be viewed and which may not be printed (in the standard edition); and fully secured DRM files that are created by authorizing a DRMX file (see below). These latter files are extremely secure and cannot be copied between computers.
  • DRMX files: these are downloaded DRM files that are awaiting authorization. Use the File menu, Authorize... facility to turn these into a DRM file using the authorization code provided to you by the document owner/publisher
  • Embedded links and bookmarks: Drumlin supports embedded links and bookmarks if these have been created correctly in the source PDF
  • Copying: Copying of text is disabled as standard on secured files, but may (optionally) be enabled by the publisher.
  • Printing may be enabled and/or restricted (e.g. number of times or pages that may be printed) depending on the publisher's settings for this document
  • Page selection: The View menu and the page selection toolbar facilities enable you to select specific pages and/or go to a specific page as do the Thumbs view and Bookmarks tab (if provided). You can also use the mouse wheel to scroll and PgUp, PgDn keyboard operations to move around a document
  • Publishing: You can publish an existing PDF file to a DRMX format with security controls that you specify. You must be online and registered with the service to use this facility. DRMX files may be freely distributed and are not readable - they require an authorization code to enable them.  You can also publish locally generated DRM files (see above) without the need for authorization codes. Special arrangements are available for users or organizations wishing to publish locally generated DRM files with unlimited views and/or printing permitted, or to generate such files for pre-registered users without the need to subsequently have these authorized. 

Send us your questions and this will help us deal with your query and augment this page - thank you!

Drumlin Support