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- What is a PDF file?
The Portable Document Format was invented by Adobe Systems to make it possible to view and print documents on a wide variety of computer platforms without having to have the software and fonts that created the original document on every single machine. It is the de facto standard for document handling worldwide, and on the World Wide Web.
- How can I read them, and what does it cost?
Adobe's Acrobat software creates PDF files. However, if you do not wish to create files, only to view and print them, Adobe makes an Acrobat Reader package available at no charge. You can download a version for your Windows, Macintosh or Unix-type machine directly from Adobe.
- How do I install the Reader?
Complete information is provided by Adobe at the download point. The Reader will normally be installed as a browser plugin. When the Web browser encounters a PDF file, the Reader will automatically be loaded into the browser. The major exceptions are Microsoft Internet Explorer version 5.5 with Service Pack 2 and MSIE version 6.0, which do not support browser plugins; in this case, the Reader will be installed as an ActiveX control. You may have to adjust your security settings; Adobe offers configuration advice on their Web site.
- Can I copy these files onto my home computer?
You can. If the Reader is already running, use its Save function; if the Reader is not yet running, right-click on the link to the document and select Save Target As....
- Will they look exactly like the hard-copy versions of the same documents?
Within the limitations of the technology, yes. Some ornate fonts are rendered in more generic form, and maps and other drawings are not always perfectly generated, but purely-text content will appear as it does on paper.
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- I tried to bring up a PDF file and got a blank screen. What happened?
We can't tell from this end. We suggest reloading the page, or trying to save it to your own computer (see above). If this fails, try starting the Reader (normally it will place an icon on your desktop) separately. In Acrobat Reader version 4, select File / Preferences and uncheck the Web Integration box. In version 5, select Edit / Preferences / Options and uncheck "Display PDF In Browser". This should force the browser to display a dialog box for handling of the PDF file.
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