What a PDF Is
What is a “PDF” file? A “PDF” file is a type of electronic image that is stored as a file in your computer. When the file is opened, it looks like a picture of the original document. You can identify PDF files (in a Windows operating system environment) by looking for files that contain the “file extension” “PDF.” Example: Document1.pdf.
What is the significance of a PDF file extension?
The “pdf” tells you that you need Acrobat Reader software in order to be able to open and read the document on your computer because the document was formatted with Adobe Acrobat software. It may have originally been created in Word or WordPerfect or Excel or any of a number of other applications, but it has been further formatted with Adobe Acrobat (i.e., it has been converted to PDF). Adobe Acrobat helps to overcome incompatibilities between different types and versions of software programs, such as word processing software, because it provides a tool that converts documents into a “universal” format that can be read by anyone who has the free Acrobat Reader software.
Can I use Acrobat Reader as a word processing program?
No. PDF files can be viewed and read with Acrobat Reader software, but cannot be changed or edited by the reader. PDF files can also be searched, and saved to a location on your computer.
How do I find PDF reading software and how much does it cost?
Adobe Acrobat Reader software is available at the web site www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html#reader, and is free. People who actually create or edit PDF documents must buy a different type of software from Adobe. But the “reader software” is free. >>
Page 1 Overview
Page 2 What a PDF is
Page 3 Downloading the PDF Reader
Page 4 Installing the PDF Reader
Page 5 Opening and Editing PDFs