Adobe released version 9 of their PDF (Portable Document Format) Reader program. Once the king and almost sole PDF reader on the market, it, like so many other mainstream programs, has become bloated beyond recognition. This software bloat slows down the performance of even the fastest computers, and for this reason, I firmly stand against software bloat.
I added Adobe Reader to my do not use list almost two years ago. Instead, I recommend the svelte and fast FoxIt Reader which does everything that Adobe Reader does, faster and better. The download for Adobe Reader 9 is almost 35 megabytes compared to under 3 megabytes for FoxIt Reader. Also, if you aren’t careful, you will add 12 megabytes to the Adobe download and end up with eBay Desktop, whatever that is. Do not upgrade to the Adobe Reader 9, and better yet uninstall all versions of Adobe Reader you may have and use the FoxIt Reader instead. Like Adobe Reader, FoxIt is free and a link can be found in the Links and Resources section of the site.
For those interested, my do not use list and their superior equivalents now looks like this:
| DO NOT USE |
USE INSTEAD |
| AOL | Any other Internet provider |
| Any Norton security or Utility product |
AVG or Avast security |
| McAffee |
AVG or Avast |
| Internet Explorer |
Firefox or Opera |
| Windows Vista |
Windows XP, Mac OS X or Ubuntu Linux |
| Microsoft Office 2007 |
Any previous version of Microsoft Office or OpenOffice.org or Zoho.com’s online productivity suite |
Related articles:
- A Faster Way to View PDF Files
- How to fill out a PDF form with your computer
- Windows 7 – First Impressions
- Watch for check boxes when installing all software
- Incredible deal on a fast computer
Tags: Adobe, AVG, download, Firefox, Internet, Internet Explorer, linux, Mac, Microsoft, Office, openoffice, PDF, Security, ubuntu, uninstall, update, upgrade, Windows, Zoho
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HelpMeRick.com started as a monthly tip site for beginners in 1996, and now supports our popular call-in computer show, and hosts thousands of useful computer tips and links.
Re: comment on new page(s) for you. I misspoke. I just hadn’t spent enough time with it.
No problem, Bill. Change always comes at a price, but I truly believe this new site format is a huge step up for my visitors.
NOW, ya tell me!
I had to file a IRS form (941 quarterly) which I normally do online which comes up in pdf to fill out. This first quarter (end of June) it kept telling me the file was damaged. I called IRS. I was told I had to update to adobe reader 9. I hated to do this. Since I’ve updated the reader ONCE in the past, and it practically rendered my old program useless. (adobe acrobat 5, purchased in 2001.) So I uninstalled that reader update, but was unable to create PDF, so went to the free CutePDF. But continue to be able to READ pdf with my program. But had no choice but to install adobe reader 9 as govt stated. VERY BIG MISTAKE. My Firefox immediately went to a standstill. Leaving no option but to UNinstall adobe reader 9.
So my question is: Will Foxit allow me to OPEN, FILL OUT, and PRINT govt pdf forms? Or is there something else you recommend to do whatever adobe reader 9 is ’supposed’ to do?
Thank you!
Anne
Yes, Anne, FoxIT reader will do everything (and a little more) that Adobe Reader does. Works great and is small and fast. You will still need something like Cute PDF to create them though.
Rick, as usual, you’re a Godsend! THANK YOU!
FYI, I clicked on your link here. User’s submitted great reviews, except for the following TWO noted below: Both are for Version: Foxit Reader 3.0 build 1817. *See, item #1 Beware #2 Summery
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#1
“Almost a substitute to Adobe Reader”
by damirv on July 11, 2009
Pros: Quite fast
Cons: Ad at the top right is distracting.
*BEWARE: it’s not compatible with many sites that use pre-filled forms (e.g. insurance/benefits claim forms with your details filled in).
*******
#2.
“Works well, look out for unwanted programs.”
by ripped55 on June 29, 2009
Pros: I was having problems with adobe reader. I finally gave up trying to fix it and downloaded Foxit Reader instead. Works fine, solved my problem.
Cons: After I had downloaded it, I read in Wikipedia that Foxit often installs many unwanted programs on your computer. I had to uninstall some of them. Wish I had known that beforehand. I would have been more careful.
*SUMMARY: Bottom line: I still like Foxit Reader, but watch carefully during installation.
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Hi! Ricky,
I have read some of the comments from your users, and find it encouraging. What is the proceedure entailed in becoming a satisfied ustomer.
HTT
You made the first step by visiting the site!
uninstalled it, but left other Adobe sites, Flash player, etc. is that okay??
“I firmly stand against software bloat”.
Amen, bro!
amen brother!!!
how simple is that!!!???
what a bloated over complicated piece of crap!
i’d forgotten how simple things can be..IF YOU KEEP THEM SIMPLE!!!!!
That Foxit reader is a lovely little thing.
it just opens the pdf……and that’s it!
no PREPARING it for 5 minutes…it just opens it… and then i get to read it!!!
when i removed Adobe Reader 8, it was 84MB!
Burn in Hell Adobe Reader!!