DoctorDoom
10-29-2007, 01:20 AM
Anyone who has used the accursed Adobe Acrobat Reader bloatware is familiar with the huge downloads, slow startup and response, stuff that loads at bootup, and other annoyances. And AR version 8 has an Automatic Updater that can't be turned off. I had to rename the updater EXE files to kill it.
But, if you're running Windows, there's a freeware alternative, Foxit Reader 2.2 for Windows (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php). I installed the program, and it kicks AR's butt. It starts immediately, opens PDF files in an eyeblink, scrolls faster, etcetera etcetera.
Once the program is installed, it gives the option to become the default PDF reader. Do it without a second thought.
Granted, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of AR, but most folks don't use them anyway. And the download is 2.4 MB as opposed to AR's 21.8 MB, which puts in in the acceptable range for dialup connections.
One will discover that there's an unobtrusive ad for the company in the upper right corner. It can be ignored or turned off via View > Advertisement. And since the program is free, it's certainly justified.
The one question that's raised is, if it can do all that it does with that small a DL, WTH does Adobe AR do that requires such a huge program? It's probably worth leaving AR installed just in case, but for must PDF files, it's overkill.
BTW, I don't get recompensed for endorsements like this, but when I find a really good program, I'll share it with others.
But, if you're running Windows, there's a freeware alternative, Foxit Reader 2.2 for Windows (http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php). I installed the program, and it kicks AR's butt. It starts immediately, opens PDF files in an eyeblink, scrolls faster, etcetera etcetera.
Once the program is installed, it gives the option to become the default PDF reader. Do it without a second thought.
Granted, it doesn't have all the bells and whistles of AR, but most folks don't use them anyway. And the download is 2.4 MB as opposed to AR's 21.8 MB, which puts in in the acceptable range for dialup connections.
One will discover that there's an unobtrusive ad for the company in the upper right corner. It can be ignored or turned off via View > Advertisement. And since the program is free, it's certainly justified.
The one question that's raised is, if it can do all that it does with that small a DL, WTH does Adobe AR do that requires such a huge program? It's probably worth leaving AR installed just in case, but for must PDF files, it's overkill.
BTW, I don't get recompensed for endorsements like this, but when I find a really good program, I'll share it with others.