ACMS Has Low Cost Poster Printing
The Large Format Printer cplot1 is an ACMS service. It is much lower cost that off-campus sites, but it is do it yourself. Once you print a poster it is pretty easy, but your need to follow very specific instructions. Below are some links.
Poster printing jobs can be sent from off campus or an individual's computer, but it is easer from an ACMS lab on campus.
Using PowerPoint works well, but it helps to start with setting the dimensions of the page before you enter your content. You can download the template below to get started.
Also see: http://danclark.me/2011/05/how-to-print-a-poster-at-ucsd/
For best resistance to fading (i.e. for long term wall mounted use) use Coated paper
For Poster Presentations use Semi gloss