BS: How to read PDF files

Subject: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Jeep man
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 01:01 AM

I seem to get a lot of PDF files and I have forgotten how to open them. Help. Jim

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: George Papavgeris
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 02:16 AM

Use Adobe Acrobat

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 02:31 AM

Actually "Adobe Acrobat" describes the full set of "Acrobat" software, since recent upgrades. It's rather expensive. What you're really looking for is just the "Acrobat Reader" which is the free program available from Adobe. (Probably you'll find it if you just put "Adobe" in your browser address bar, but I think it's "adobe.com.")

The "Reader" program is available on quite a few "mirror" sites, so you shouldn't have any trouble finding it. Many sites that offer downloads in .pdf format have links to "get the reader."

Installing the reader on most Windows machines will set the "preferences" so that any time you click on a .pdf to open it it will automatically open in the Reader. You can also expect to get frequent popups (when you open a .pdf) asking if you want to visit Adobe to see if there's an update. There usually isn't, but it's well to stay current.

John

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Mr Red
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 05:25 AM

it is worth reading the help a bit.

I write PDF docs in the Acrobat writer and often use the inddexing system which for some reason is called Bookmarks. I functions like hyperlinks within the file, and on larger documents it can be a boon. Not all publishers use it (or understand it) and often I find it is generated but the pane is minimised - just grab the divider and drag it to the right and click on tabs to see what is on offer. There is a pictorial option and text.

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html has the readers - you can get older versions. I write for V3 because people still use that and I know how it will look for them.

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Jeep man
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 09:36 PM

Thanks, guys. I have the reader, now if I can use it. Jim

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Joe Offer
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 10:33 PM

I used to be able to go to a PDF page on the Web, and it would open immediately. Now I have to save the file, and then click on the saved file to open Acrobat Reader. Is there a setting I can change to make it easier to open these files directly - or is this a security matter that I'm better off leaving alone?
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Greg F.
Date: 02 Oct 04 - 11:28 PM

You've simply got to set the browser to recognize & "know" what to do with .pdf files- its under "preferences" and "helper applications" in Netscape/Mozilla- assume there's something similar in MicroSpawnOfSatanSoft browser as well, but since I won't use 'em, I don't know for sure..

Best, Greg

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: JohnInKansas
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 12:45 AM

IE has settings under Tools - Internet Options on the Programs tab for a number of different "web" file types, but nothing for .pdf. Anything not set in IE would open with whatever your general Windows filetype preferences are.

If you've installed any of the numerous Windows updates, your security settings may have changed, but I haven't seen anything on my machine (that I've noticed) that affects .pdf files. I generally do save them to file before I try to read them, simply because my web service is so slow that it's almost painful trying to look at one before it's completed the download anyway (and there's no "progress indicator" to tell you if it's done loading if you read direct from the web).

Adobe does issue fairly frequent updates, and if you are using an "old" (= 6 months since update) you may be running into web pages that are a newer version than your reader, which could have an effect. Your reader should have a button on the toolbar to "go to Adobe" if you think you might need to check.

You should be able to view .pdf files directly in your web browser if it's Netscape or IE compatible; but Netscape requires installation of a plug-in. If Netscape was on your machine when you installed the reader, it should have been installed automatically; but if you added Netscape after your Acrobat Reader was installed, you may have to install the plugin manually. If you've swapped back and forth between Netscape and other browsers, it's (remotely) possible the plugin has been corrupted. Your reader's HELP file should have instructions - look in the index under "w" for "web."

If you think there might be something corrupted or missing, since Reader is a free program the simple thing to do is uninstall it and go get a new copy.

John

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Jeri
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 12:55 AM

Don't you get a message when you try to open it, like "Yo dude, you think I'm a genious? Whaddya want me to open it WITH?" Then you go find Acrobat, and say, "Like, dude, THIS is the program!"

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Joe Offer
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 03:24 AM

Well, it looks like I've followed all advice except for uninstalling and reinstalling Adobe Acrobat Reader. It's not a great inconvenience to have to download the file first, but it used to work very well within Internet Explorer.
-Joe Offer-

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Mr Red
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 06:02 AM

Joe what about global file preferences in Winexplorer?

I invariably save first because I want the pdf and reading costs me per minute. You only get up to the page you looked at anyway (on-line). Downloading goes on in the background and I can browse the Mudcat while I am waiting. The inactive minutes reading posts are used to download. Is it the impecuneous miser in me or the efficient engineer in me that is drivng that methodology?

Greg F
FWIW I find that Firefox (which reports it is Netscape to Javascript) will not allow me to view history off-line. SO I ask myself what is so important that has to be live? The answer is almost certainly information about your surfing. Free lunch etc?
I am back to IE5.5 mostly because there are plenty out there using it and they visit my website. I like to know what it looks like to them.

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: GUEST,Ellenpoly
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 06:35 AM

This was really helpful thanks. I never knew which of those things to tick when the little box came up, so I always ticked Microsoft Word which was useless most of the time.

I'll try Adobe, thanks!!!

Subject: RE: BS: How to read PDF files
From: Bill D
Date: 03 Oct 04 - 08:51 AM

however...if you want something quick, try PDF Reader from FoxitSoftware.

it is free, it really works, and it opens immediately....Acrobat open many odd plugins and extras that you seldom need.

Keep both around, but use Foxit for everyday and Acrobat for those onec-a-year weird files....