Goodbye Adobe Reader
Goodbye Adobe Reader
I've relied on Adobe Reader for many years, but recently I've observed how frequently it installs unnecessary startup programs and odd services, something that doesn't make sense for a PDF viewer. Even after uninstalling, an Adobe service remained active and had to be removed manually. I no longer use Adobe Reader.
I have the most recent version of Adobe Reader on my computer, and if Adobe isn't open, the only running service is the update service. When I open Adobe, six RdrCEF processes appear. The additional items Adobe prompts for installation are mostly McAfee-related, but you can simply uncheck those before downloading.
Foxit reader performs exceptionally well. Avoid checking the "try full version" option for a certain period.
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The Android version of Acrobat reader I discovered handles forms (such as buttons and text fields). A few years ago I created a checklist for my phone because PDFs with forms can be saved later after adjusting button/checkbox states and text fields. However, when testing other PDF readers on Android, they didn’t support input fields or forms.
Important: To create PDFs with forms, you can use Libre Office Writer—just need to manually adjust the page size so the final document looks correct on your phone.
In fact, I'm experiencing a problem with Foxit at the moment.
(Used it for years)
Filling out a PDF form from the DMV.
Works fine in Firefox.
Editable fields are filling in without issues.
Saving and then opening it in Foxit.
Some values are now in the wrong locations.
Opening the saved file in Firefox, everything is correct.
Same as me. I haven't used Adobe Reader in more than ten years. No worries about it.
Acrobat Reader stopped being useful when most browsers included PDF support. Before that, it might have been useful to have it handy, especially if your browser didn’t display PDFs well, but now other browsers can handle it easily. Of course, there are situations where a PDF editor is needed, but it’s been 14 years since PDF support was added to Office and now the free version covers all PDF needs, making it simple to complete form fields.
Another factor to consider is the origin of any copy of Adobe Reader provided.
It’s not unusual to find oneself browsing a site offering a document while that site advertises Adobe Reader as a free download. Often it includes additional add-ons.
This isn’t always done with malicious purpose, but there’s no assurance the downloaded version is current, intact, or completely safe from viruses.
Usually, it comes with recommendations to move toward digital document delivery for things like bills, financial reports, or agreements, suggesting Adobe Reader was necessary to view those forms.
@BFG-9000
I haven’t needed Adobe Reader recently. I just checked once—no longer installed.
My most recent experience with it was years back for some PDF forms from outside the state. They didn’t work. I tried a few browsers, and one functioned properly.