DHL

Great news for a change! I was able to download the 64 bit version. Thereafter, I downloaded the ISO Download tool (I have not downloaded the ISO image yet). Both are currently saved in a folder on my PC. Unfortunately, I will have to postpone installing the 64 bit version due to work. Backing up folders and formatting my PC is not something I can do right now. However, I will pass on your tips and links to 2 others who can try out the Publisher beta. One of them owns a publishing and printing firm; the other one works for a publisher. Thank you very much for all your help. It will be appreciated by my friends as well.

Thank you for the information. It is very kind of you to go to all that trouble for a stranger.:) Unfortunately, it does not work with OEM licences. I double-checked with my local Microsoft rep. Incidentally, his firm also sells Adobe products.

Thank you for sharing your thoughts which I am sure are more valuable than 2 cents.;) What I want and probably many others as well, is a software which is lean. My main interest in a product similar to InDesign is the ability to automate the pagination. Scribus is not an option as I find it too geeky-looking. Windows 7 not being supported after 2020 is not a huge concern for me. If more people migrate to newer versions of Windows, cyber crime will target them. They won't bother with the eccentric folk who refuse to switch their OS. When I bought Illustrator, my work was solely related to graphic design. Now I am involved almost exclusively in writing and designing books. The price of Illustrator CS5 was equal to the monthly salary of a CEO in my country. Indeed, many were surprised that I had actually bought the software. This is why I say that there is scope for a 32 bit version in developing countries. Demographically, there are more potential customers in Asia and Africa than in the west. Perhaps one of those Indian expats out there in Silicone Valley may realise it...

I was thinking of persuading the book publisher's association of my country to back me. The members of the International Board for Books for Young People may also be interested. I have connections with both organisations, Regarding the 64 bit issue, please refer my reply to another member's suggestion. Thank you for trying to help.

I posted a reply to your post but it seems to have vanished, So I shall explain again. Local vendors of branded PCs have stopped offering Windows. Until a couple of years ago they offered the Windows 32 bit Starter. Now, all they offer is Ubuntu. For the price of a Dell loaded with Ubuntu, I can get an unused Adobe CS5 Creative Suite DVD on Ebay. What's more, I have 2 Windows 7 Pro 32 bit licences. I cannot afford to throw them away. Nevertheless, thank you for your suggestion.

Thank you for welcoming me and for your quick response. I wonder how many requests would be needed to nudge Serif into considering it?

I have waited patiently for the day when Serif would release an InDesign alternative. It was great to find a beta version is available. Unfortunately, it is only available for 64 bit desktops. It may seem a non-issue to some. However, there are others like me who are restrained by OEM software. I cannot upgrade my PC as both my OS and Adobe Illustrator CS5 are 32 bit versions. Affinity products could acquire a sizeable customer base in South Asia if a 32 bit version is also available. I will keep my fingers crossed! Thank you.