The PDF format is one of the most used formats when it comes to sharing all kinds of documents over the Internet. This format stands out, among many other things, for being widely compatible with all types of operating systems and programs, for respecting the format when opening it on other computers (embedding, for example, the source) and for providing us with an extra security guaranteeing that the file has not been modified (or if it is, the original digital signature will be broken). Adobe was the creator of this document format, and, of course, has its own program to open them: Reader. However, is it the best?
Adobe Reader: pros and cons
Adobe is the company that has created this format for documents. Therefore, it is also who will understand it best and who will give us the best support when opening all kinds of documents. Reader is also one of the most complete PDF viewers that we can find, if not the most complete. In it we can find a large number of options and functions that, as standard, are not available in other programs. For example, security features or digital signature.
However, this program carries some worrisome problems. For example, Reader is an especially slow and heavy program compared to other alternatives, and it takes longer to open documents due to its security checks. In addition, it is well known that Adobe programs are not exactly safe, and almost every month we will have to update, yes or yes, to be protected against new vulnerabilities.
We can download it from the following link.
Advantages and problems of Foxit Reader
Far from Adobe, another of the PDF viewers that we can find on the net is Foxit Reader . This PDF viewer stands out, above all, for being much lighter and faster than the Adobe alternative when opening documents. In addition, it also has a large number of useful functions for users, and quick access to recently opened documents and the company’s own cloud, where you can save the most important documents and share them with others.
It is also important to keep in mind that, despite being a complete program, it is much faster and lighter than its rival, a key factor when deciding if we have a computer with limited power.
Among its problems we can highlight that, sometimes, it can cause compatibility problems , especially when printing certain documents. In addition, it does not have the radical security measures that Adobe software offers and that help us to be safe when opening a document that could be dangerous.
We can get it down from here.
Which one I choose?
The decision, in the end, is personal. Depending on the functionalities we are looking for, we can choose one or the other.
For example, if what we want is to have all kinds of options and functions, and a safe program, with a sandbox, that prevents a failure from endangering our computer, then better bet on Adobe’s own program. On the other hand, if what we want is a simpler viewer, although also with many options, that consumes fewer resources and is faster, then Foxit’s viewer will be the right choice.
Then, there are some situations that, yes or yes, will force us to go through the Adobe ring, such as the use of digital signatures or filling in PDF documents from the computer.
Therefore, our recommendation, in favor of the performance of the PC, would be to initially bet on Foxit Reader, but not have the Adobe program very far so that, if we have any problem with the other, we can use it.
