Introduction & Getting the Program | Viewing & Downloading PDF Files | Navigating a PDF File | Outside Resources

Introduction:
Lengthy documents stored on the Internet are sometimes saved as PDF (Portable Document Format) files. Placing large amounts of text on an individual web page is considered bad Internet practice since it causes users to scroll through a big web page, which can become tedious. Instead, website creators can create downloadable files of text saved in the PDF format. PDF files can be viewed or downloaded on the Internet just as any other multimedia file, such as an HTML file, image, or movie. However, in order to view PDF files, you'll need the necessary programs.

The advantage of PDF files comes in their universal look; no matter what platform you open them on, they will look exactly the same. These create a much easier distribution method for the author, knowing that no matter how many times the file is duplicated, and in what manner, the look will remain the same. Another advantage to PDF files is the small file size.

Opening Adobe Acrobat Reader:
The program used to view PDF files is Adobe Acrobat Reader. Many computers already come equipped with this software. To run Acrobat Reader on your computer: Start >> Programs >> Adobe >> Adobe Acrobat. If you are using a current browser, Acrobat Reader may be included. Click on a link to a PDF file and the reader will open it within your browser.

Downloading Adobe Acrobat:
If you're using a computer that doesn't have Acrobat Reader, you can download it for free from Adobe's website, http://www.adobe.com. The free version of Adobe Acrobat Reader can be downloaded from this web page:

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/readstep2.html

Once you have downloaded the program, install Acrobat on your computer. It will then be located in Start >> Programs >> Adobe >> Adobe Acrobat. At this point you will be able to view PDF files on the Internet.

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