Avast WEBforum
Other => General Topics => Topic started by: Bellzemos on September 14, 2009, 05:02:32 PM
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I've been using Adobe's one for a long time (version 7, because I don't like the bloated new versions).
But because the version 7 is so old now (and I guess voulnerable too) I'm thinking about changing my
PDF reader. So, what do you suggest, which one is the most easy on resources, most safe, free, etc.?
I would like one with a "direct open function" (like Adobe's), so that I can open the PDF files I trust
directly from the web sites if possible. Foxit Reader, Sumatra PDF...? By the way, I'm using Windows XP.
And how do I properly uninstall Adobe Reader 7? Just the usual uninstall or will there be traces left?
Thank you! :)
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Uninstalling from Add/Remove programs should suffice, I've never had any problems with it.
If it doesn't uninstall properly, you can use Revo Uninstaller to help you get rid of it. http://www.revouninstaller.com/
Many people have suggested Foxit reader as an alternative. It seems to work well.
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i found this article(uninstall reader 7) : http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/400/kb400728.html
i use foxit reader.
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Thank you for the link! I went to the Foxit forums and read some bad stuff about the new Foxit Reader 3.1. People are saying that it's bloated, has a toolbar etc. Why are so many companies including those toolbars in their applications nowadays anyway?
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ya forgot to mention it.
deselect the tool bar install option and also the ebay short cut icon. else it is okay. make some customizations in that, disable display pdf in browser, disable javascript.
Why are so many companies including those toolbars in their applications nowadays anyway?
may be they do want to give the application for free.
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Yep, NMB said it best. It's all for advertising revenue. They can offer the program for free, because of the revenue collected from the advertisers.
Of course, just like NMB said, you can just "un-tick" the toolbar installation, and choose not to install it.
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Are you using Foxit Reader 3.1 or an older version? Is it much safer to use the new Foxit Reader than the old Adobe Reader 7.0?
Is Foxit Reader easy on resources? Does it have any background running processes?
Is Foxit Reader able to directly open PDF documents from the web (like Adobe Reader)?
Thank you! :)
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i use 3.1.
foxit is the fastest reader i think. it opens in a blink. easy on resources. no back ground processes.unlike the adobe, foxit will not connect to the internet without your permission. yes it can open pdf directly in browser but i advice not to do so. better save it some where and open it manually. as i said in reply 4, customizing those settings will help you.
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I have been using FoxIt reader for some time now, but only just installed Foxit Reader 3.1.1.0901 Upgrade so I can't say if there are any problems with that.
This version has a big fix, so I don't know if that is the one being talked about.
Foxit Reader 3.1.1.0901 has fixed a bug - the reported issue of Foxit Reader 3.1.0.0824 crashing when users are viewing certain PDF files has been updated and is no longer a problem.
One thing for sure I won't go back to Adobe PDF reader.
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One thing for sure I won't go back to Adobe PDF reader.
+1
although I do it a little differently...sumatraPDF portable running from the hard drive...:D
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sumatra is not so good at graphics.
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sumatra is not so good at graphics.
Really? Seems to work fine for me...so far I have only used it for the avast! help PDFs and a car brochure which both have a fair amount of graphics...
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i think(may be) its because there is no gamma correction.
edit : on gizmo(scroll to sumatrapdf) : http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-non-adobe-pdf-reader.htm
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yes it can open pdf directly in browser but i advice not to do so.
Why? And thank you. :)
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i think(may be) its because there is no gamma correction.
edit : on gizmo(scroll to sumatrapdf) : http://www.techsupportalert.com/best-free-non-adobe-pdf-reader.htm
Yep,
Few features - it's basically just a viewer, image quality is not the best.
That's all I want ;)
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Why? And thank you. :)
because there were exploits which used loop holes in the pdf reader. generally they will be in the wild. so better to turn off javascript option and also view in browser in foxit.
you are welcome.
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Uninstallation of Adobr Reader 7.0.9 created a (hidden) empty folder "C:\Congif.Msi", should I manually remove it?
Other that that I think it's all gone and now I'm going to install Foxit Reader with customizations, as you told me. :)
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regarding config.msi, i think yokenny is the best guy to ask for. he might post here (I don't know).
good that you are switching to foxit. blindly do not install any app. go through all the steps and uncheck which is not required.
you can get your self a really good uninstaller : revo uninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/download/revosetup.exe) (portable (http://www.revouninstaller.com/revouninstaller.zip))-use the moderate option while uninstalling anything.
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I tried to install the latest free Foxit Reader but it automatically installs the toolbar so I cancelled the installation. >:(
Now I don't know what to do - install Sumatra PDF reader or an older version of Foxit reader... What would be safer? I hope Sumatra has no toolbars, background running processes or similar stuff...
Please help, because I'm unable to view PDF files now. :)
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regarding config.msi, i think yokenny is the best guy to ask for. he might post here (I don't know).
YoKenny, would you tell me a bit about that folder? :)
Edit: Now I'm really considering installing Sumatra PDF reader. Can you tell me if it's a safe one (exploits etc.)? Is it safer to use than the Adobe's old version (7)? Thank you! :)
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you need to click custom installation while installing. that is white i meant when i said : blindly do not install any application.
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you need to click custom installation
I did.
Can anyone suggest me a good and safe free PDF viewer? I'm thinking about installing Sumatra.
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then why didn't you deselect install toolbar installation as i told you previously?.
you can use sumatra pdf. i think its not vulnerable as foxit and adobe.
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you need to click custom installation
I did.
You have to continue through the installation until near the end, when you are prompted about the toolbar - Un-tick the first box (see image)
Can anyone suggest me a good and safe free PDF viewer? I'm thinking about installing Sumatra.
IF you do choose Sumatra, I would suggest the portable version available here - it is easier to install:
http://portableapps.com/apps/office/sumatra_pdf_portable
It can be run from the hard drive (I do) - just install it to a location on the hard drive and then launch 'SumatraPDFPortable.exe'
-Scott-
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then why didn't you deselect install toolbar installation as i told you previously?.
Oops, I didn't know that this selection is at the very end of the installation (as Scott said). :)
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open your eyes fully and read everything the installer is telling or asking you to do. then select the required things.
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IF you do choose Sumatra, I would suggest the portable version available here - it is easier to install:
http://portableapps.com/apps/office/sumatra_pdf_portable
It can be run from the hard drive (I do) - just install it to a location on the hard drive and then launch 'SumatraPDFPortable.exe'
-Scott-
Hm, and what is differnet from the "normal" Sumatra? I don't think I need a portable version. I downloaded latest one called "SumatraPDF.exe". Thank you for the help! :)
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open your eyes fully and read everything the installer is telling or asking you to do. then select the required things.
My eyes: :o
;D
Thank you for your help too! :)
I have to decide between Sumatra and Foxit now...
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regarding config.msi, i think yokenny is the best guy to ask for. he might post here (I don't know).
YoKenny, would you tell me a bit about that folder? :)
Edit: Now I'm really considering installing Sumatra PDF reader. Can you tell me if it's a safe one (exploits etc.)? Is it safer to use than the Adobe's old version (7)? Thank you! :)
Firstly I do not use anything from Adobe as the prolific malware purveyors are on it like rats to a bit of cheese and they are just as prolific:
http://encarta.msn.com/encyclopedia_761559338/Rat.html
Sumatra PDF is OK but it does not have the features of Foxit Reader so like whatever cheese you like then use what you want but then I like Roquefort and dislike anything from Kraft and McDonald's:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-roquefort.htm
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first install foxit.
use it for a day or two.
remove it and start using sumatra.
use it for a day or two.
come back and tell us your experience.
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IF you do choose Sumatra, I would suggest the portable version available here - it is easier to install:
http://portableapps.com/apps/office/sumatra_pdf_portable
It can be run from the hard drive (I do) - just install it to a location on the hard drive and then launch 'SumatraPDFPortable.exe'
-Scott-
Hm, and what is differnet from the "normal" Sumatra? I don't think I need a portable version. I downloaded latest one called "SumatraPDF.exe". Thank you for the help! :)
Really the only difference is that it is not actually installed on the machine - always a good thing ;)
I actually use Firefox, Thunderbird and Sumatra on this machine, but they are the portable versions...
They are contained in a folder on the hard drive, and if/when you want to uninstall them, then all you have to do is delete the folder...perfect for just testing it out...
http://portableapps.com/node/20577
It also means that you can have it on a memory stick to take wherever you go :)
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Can anyone suggest me a good and safe free PDF viewer?
I suggest PDF-XChange Viewer (http://www.freewaregeeks.com/index.php?page=detail&get_id=265&category=42). Safe and very, very good.
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I have already installed Sumatra PDF and it's seems OK for me. Do you maybe know how to enable opening PDF files directly in Firefox with Sumatra? And thank you all for all the help! :)
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DIY:
Do you maybe know how to enable opening PDF files directly in Firefox with Sumatra?
http://notlost.blogspot.com/2007/06/switching-to-sumatra-pdf-reader.html (old)
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Yes, I've seen this, but I already completly removed Adobe Reader before installing Sumatra. Is there any other way? And thank you. :)
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do this
* Launch Sumatra PDF viewer
* Select menu Setting/Options... and click "Make SumatraPDF my main PDF reader" button
Clicking on links to PDF documents should no longer open the embedded viewer but pop up a dialog box. Select "Always perform this action..." checkbox if you want Sumatra automatically open those PDF files.
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Aha, I see. And the opened files will be saved to a temporary folder on my hard disk? So, there is no way to open PDF files direct in Firefox, like with Adobe Reader?
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nope.
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That's a pity... Can it be done with Foxit Reader?
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That's a pity... Can it be done with Foxit Reader?
I do it all the time with Foxit Reader and IE8.
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Well, I'll stick to Sumatra, at least for now... Thank you all for the help! :)
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you are welcome.
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Another pdf reader to consider is the small but powerful coolPDFreader :
http://www.pdf2exe.com/reader.html
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