I’m often asked by clients about documents (or files) that they see that have this symbol. They usually show up as attachments or as a file to download from a website. So let me explain just what these are and how you can read them.
What is a PDF?
Quoting from Wikipedia:
Portable Document Format (PDF) is an open standard for document exchange. This file format, created by Adobe Systems in 1993, is used for representing documents in a manner independent of application software, hardware, and operating systems. Each PDF file encapsulates a complete description of a fixed-layout flat document, including the text, fonts, graphics, and other information needed to display it.
The advantages of creating a PDF are:
- Files can be used on both PCs and Macs
- Files look the same when read or printed. (No worrying about formatting changes.)
- Adobe’s program to use PDFs is available for free. (And other programs are available for using them as well.)
- PDFs are difficult to change, so sender is sure that the recipient can’t make changes
How do I read/open a PDF?
Many computers come with Adobe Reader already installed. In this case, all you have to do is open the file and you can read and print it. Don’t forget to update Adobe Reader when the pop-up appears. This will help keep your computer safe and secure.
If you can’t open the file, you will need to install Adobe Reader. Click on this link and the click on Adobe Reader (on the right side of the screen). This will take you to the proper download for your operating system version. If you don’t want anything extra, uncheck the box. Now click download and follow the installation directions.
Now you can handle any PDF file you are sent!
© 2012 by Sherry Goncharsky
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