Use Openoffice Draw or Openoffice powerpoint. Set the correct dimensions in format. Export to pdf.

Size of the poster:
- The digital printer's paper is 24" wide. Posters for our room - dimensions are 18" width by 24" height (width to height ratio of 3 to 4). Printing will be in Landscape format.
- Poster for Science Fair: An entire 3 panel display board is 48" width by 36" height. To print this is one piece, you need a plotter with 36" paper, printed in Landscape format. To print this in 3 pieces you can use a 24" plotter. Print the center section with dimensions are 24" width by 36" height (2 to 3 ratio). Print each side piece with dimensions 12" width by 36" height.
Content of your poster:
1. Title, Author, TJHSST Computer Systems Lab 2005 - 2006
2. Abstract: describe the problem, purpose and scope of your project
3. Background and/or Introduction paragraph(s)
4. Description of your procedures and methods
5. Results and conclusions (depending on which quarter we're in, this may be your expected results)
6. Visual display of information: for example a chart, graph, and/or screenshot
7. Meaningful Headings for each section of your poster
8. Export your poster format to PDF
9. Be sure to include in your presentation: Larger Purpose - How can your research ideas be used by others and what are possible benefit(s) or values for other people?

The Art of the Poster

10 second reading of your poster - title, abstract, headings, and visuals portray information about your project quickly to the reader/viewer.
i.e. the viewer of the poster needs to be able to get a good idea of your project in a few seconds.
10 minute reading of your poster - a detailed communication of your project:
The viewer continues reading your paragraphs, charts, and visuals in order to learn detailed information about your research.

Limited space - on your poster to portray all of this information; communicate as much information as possible in a small amount of space.
Variety of formats for the communication of information: textual (your headings and paragraphs) and visual (charts, screenshots, etc)
Font size and type needs to be small enough to fit on the poster yet large enoughand clear enough to be read from a few feet away

Visually interesting The layout of your poster should be interesting visually yet maintain a professional quality.
These are not K Mart posters (no offense K Mart)