"Acrobat Reader" is a program that allows you to view PDF files. It is a free program distributed by the company Adobe.
Files can not be edited with Acrobat Reader, but you can print the files, or copy and paste text from the PDF file into another document.
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a unique format. PDF files can only be opened with "Acrobat Reader", or the Adobe PDF editing program, simply named "Acrobat". While you can not change the content of a PDF file with anything but Adobe "Acrobat", PDF files can be created by many programs, or converted to PDF from existing files.
The advantage of PDF format is that the file, whether is was created from a Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, Photoshop, Illustrator, or any other program, retains its exact formatting when opened with "Acrobat Reader". In other words, no matter who opens the file, it will appear exactly the same as it was originally created.
Because some fonts are not available on everyone's computer, the appearance of a file can change from computer to computer. PDF files "embed" the fonts used in the document, thereby eliminating that problem.
Forms, charts, lists, and any document with special formatting will appear identical regardless of who opens the file. This is very important. It ensures that the clerical work in connection with these forms, charts, etc., is minimized.
PDF files can be viewed in two ways. They can either be downloaded to your computer and opened as a "stand-alone" file, or, if your web browser has the Acrobat Plug-in installed, directly on-line through your web browser.
If you download the PDF file to your computer, it is available to you any time. You do not have to be on-line to read the file. Downloaded files will also open much more quickly than on-line files opened with a web browser.
If you view the file using the Acrobat Plug-in, the files will only be available to you if you are on-line at the Shorehaven web site. These files will take much longer to display, especially if you are using a slower Internet connection.
