With the popularity of PDF files for electronically distributing content over the Internet, Adobe Reader is a program that no computer should be without. Reader is a free download provided by Adobe on their website that allows a user to read PDF files created by Adobe's other program, Acrobat.
Adobe Acrobat and Reader
Adobe Acrobat is a software program developed by Adobe Systems designed for the creation and viewing of files in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). Adobe Reader (formerly Acrobat Reader) is the free program available online that allows anyone to view PDF documents, but does not allow the creation or management of the files.
Warning
The current version of Adobe Acrobat Reader contains support for JavaScript. This allows document creators to include executable code in the files which then activates when the document is read. Java has been used to insert malicious viruses and spyware, and makes Acrobat and Reader vulnerable. Users should check the Adobe website for security updates often.
Applications
You can use Adobe Acrobat Reader to open, view, print and manage PDF files. If you receive a PDF form, you can complete it online, and print or submit it electronically. You can use review and mark-up tools to make notes or sign and digitally certify documents as well. You cannot create PDF files in Reader however, only in Adobe Acrobat.
Linux Support
Reader is available for Linux and Solaris, but with limited functionality. Linux users will not be able to use real-time collaboration and file sharing. Reader for UNIX provides some additional functionality, including viewing of multiple documents.
New Features
With the most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader (version 9.0), Adobe has added better multilingual support (allowing users to install language packs for their native languages), faster loading time, better support for CAD drawings and increased multimedia support. Version 9 also addresses some of the security concerns from previous versions.
System Requirements
Reader 9.0 is available on Windows, Mac, Linux and Solaris and other versions are available for Pocket PC, Palm and Symbian OS.
The requirements for Windows users are:
* Intel® 1.3 GHz processor
* Microsoft® Windows® 2000 with Service Pack 4, Windows Server® 2003 and 2008; Windows XP Professional, Home Edition or Tablet PC Edition with Service Pack 2 or 3; Windows Vista® Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Ultimate or Enterprise with or without Service Pack 1
* 128MB of RAM (256MB recommended)
* 335MB of available hard disk space
* Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0, 6.0 with Service Pack 1, 7.0 or 8.0; Firefox 2.0 or 3.0
The requirements for Mac users are:
* PowerPC® G4, G5 or Intel processor
* Mac OS X v10.4.11–10.5.6
* 128MB of RAM (256MB recommended)
* 405MB of available hard-disk space
* Safari 2.0.4 or later
