Author Topic: PDF file readers  (Read 21767 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline Bellzemos

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 621
PDF file readers
« on: September 14, 2009, 05:02:32 PM »
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! :)
Intel Core i7 Q 740 @ 1.73 GHz, 6 GB RAM, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1, Avast! Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free version) and Sandboxie (paid version).

Offline scythe944

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 2913
    • My Tech Blog
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #1 on: September 14, 2009, 05:04:38 PM »
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.
For generic computer (not avast) problems, you can also visit my forum for help: http://www.jacobytech.net/forum

Offline nmb

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 3054
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #2 on: September 14, 2009, 05:53:07 PM »
i found this article(uninstall reader 7) : http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/400/kb400728.html

i use foxit reader.

Offline Bellzemos

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 621
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #3 on: September 14, 2009, 05:57:35 PM »
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?
Intel Core i7 Q 740 @ 1.73 GHz, 6 GB RAM, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1, Avast! Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free version) and Sandboxie (paid version).

Offline nmb

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 3054
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #4 on: September 14, 2009, 06:00:35 PM »
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.

Offline scythe944

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 2913
    • My Tech Blog
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2009, 07:08:59 PM »
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.
For generic computer (not avast) problems, you can also visit my forum for help: http://www.jacobytech.net/forum

Offline Bellzemos

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 621
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2009, 09:05:33 PM »
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! :)
Intel Core i7 Q 740 @ 1.73 GHz, 6 GB RAM, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1, Avast! Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free version) and Sandboxie (paid version).

Offline nmb

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 3054
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #7 on: September 14, 2009, 09:08:01 PM »
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.
« Last Edit: September 14, 2009, 09:11:09 PM by nmb »

Offline DavidR

  • Avast Überevangelist
  • Certainly Bot
  • *****
  • Posts: 88900
  • No support PMs thanks
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #8 on: September 14, 2009, 09:14:46 PM »
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.

Quote
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.
Windows 10 Home 64bit/ Acer Aspire F15/ Intel Core i5 7200U 2.5GHz, 8GB DDR4 memory, 256GB SSD, 1TB HDD/ avast! free 24.2.6105 (build 24.2.8918.824) UI 1.0.799/ Firefox, uBlock Origin, uMatrix/ MailWasher Pro/ Avast! Mobile Security

spg SCOTT

  • Guest
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #9 on: September 14, 2009, 09:21:28 PM »
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

Offline nmb

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 3054
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #10 on: September 14, 2009, 09:22:50 PM »
sumatra is not so good at graphics.

spg SCOTT

  • Guest
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #11 on: September 14, 2009, 09:25:55 PM »
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...

Offline nmb

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Massive Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 3054
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #12 on: September 14, 2009, 09:33:42 PM »
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
« Last Edit: September 14, 2009, 09:36:03 PM by nmb »

Offline Bellzemos

  • Avast Evangelist
  • Poster
  • ***
  • Posts: 621
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #13 on: September 14, 2009, 09:40:36 PM »
yes it can open pdf directly in browser but i advice not to do so.

Why? And thank you. :)
Intel Core i7 Q 740 @ 1.73 GHz, 6 GB RAM, Windows 7 Ultimate x64 SP1, Avast! Free Antivirus, Malwarebytes Anti-Malware (free version) and Sandboxie (paid version).

spg SCOTT

  • Guest
Re: PDF file readers
« Reply #14 on: September 14, 2009, 09:43:33 PM »
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,

Quote
Few features - it's basically just a viewer, image quality is not the best.

That's all I want ;)