Are you familiar with the file format PDF? If not, let us enlighten you. PDF stands for portable document format. Why is this so important? I defer to our friends at Wikipedia for further explanation of what a PDF actually is: “A file format used to present documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a fixed-layout flat document, including the text, fonts, graphics, and other information needed to display it.” To further clarify, a PDF can be opened on a P.C., Apple computer, smartphone, tablet, etc., etc. Pretty much anything you can think of can open a PDF file, which makes it a good idea to save a document created in Microsoft Word to PDF before e-mailing it. The recipient of the e-mail would have to have Microsoft Word installed on their computer in order to view the document if saved with the default .docx file format. If you’re ever faced with the problem of uploading a document to a website, definitely save the file as a PDF. If you don’t know how to do that, in Word, click “File” then “Save As”, then click the dropdown arrow to the right of “Save as type”. Select “PDF” then click “Save” and you’re done. There’s one more thing you should do on your computer to never have to worry about a PDF ever again: install Acrobat Reader.
If you’ve been around the computer game for a while, you’ve probably heard of Adobe Reader. Recently, Adobe has re-branded this popular free program as Acrobat Reader. New name, same great program. Acrobat Reader allows one to view and print PDF files, and has both desktop and mobile versions. Adobe also offers a paid version of Acrobat that offers the flexibility of creating, editing, converting, digitally signing, and exporting PDF files. The free version will suffice for most users, though the paid version is necessary for many businesses. To download Acrobat Reader, click here. Click on “Download now” and you’ll be taken to the download page. As I stressed in the Blog post, “Always Read the Fine Print“, make sure to “uncheck” any optional offers before clicking “Install now”. The download will begin, followed by the immediate installation of Acrobat Reader. It’s up to you whether you want the program to be updated regularly or not. Updates are important to close up any security vulnerabilities that may appear in the future. If you decided against the program updating automatically, you’ll be alerted to an available update in the notification area (near the clock) of your P.C. Once Acrobat Reader is installed, you’re good to go. Any PDF files you receive (or already have on your hard drive) will automatically open in Acrobat Reader.
Acrobat Reader isn’t a program you’ll be excited to open and use, but it does serve an important purpose for you and your computer. Install it once, and you’ll be armed and ready to read any PDF files that come your way!