Definition of Adobe Reader 8
Adobe introduced the Portable Document Format (PDF) in 1992. Adobe released Acrobat, the first tool that allowed users to create and view PDFs, in 1993. The initial expense of acquiring Acrobat limited the early success of PDF as a file format, however, with the release of the free Adobe Reader application, PDFs became more common.
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History
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After a slow early adoption rate in the mid-1990s, the PDF format and Adobe Reader came into their own at the end of the decade. By 1999, online users had downloaded more than 100 million copies of Acrobat Reader. Adobe announced the release of Reader 8 in December 2006.
Function
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The ability to view PDF files is the primary function of Adobe Reader 8. The advantage of the PDF format is that viewers on all types of computers running all types of operating systems are assured of viewing the PDF as it was originally created. "Adobe Reader 8 enables trusted information exchange between enterprises, government agencies, constituents and consumers who view, print, search, digitally sign and collaborate with PDF files," according to Adobe.
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Features
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The biggest change from previous releases came in Reader 8's new user interface and customizable toolbars. In addition, Adobe Reader 8 includes a feature that allows users to fill in and save PDF forms created in Adobe Acrobat Professional. Users looking at PDF files with graphics and 3-D content will notice an increase in performance thanks to a graphics processing unit acceleration.
Requirements
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Macintosh users must have a computer with a G3, G4, G5 or Intel processing chip running Mac OS X 10.4.3 or higher to run Adobe Reader 8. Windows-based PC users must have an Intel Pentium III or higher processor to run Adobe Reader 8. The program is compatible with Windows XP Professional, Windows XP Home Edition, Windows XP Tablet PC Edition with Service Pack 2, Windows 2000 Service Pack 4, Windows 2003 Server or Windows Vista.
For Macs and PCs, 128 MB of RAM is required, though 256 MB is recommended for users opening large or complicated documents. At least 110 MB of space must be available on the hard drive in either platform. Mac users must have Safari 2.0.2 and PC users must have Internet Explorer 6 or higher, Firefox 1.5 or higher, Mozilla 1.7 or higher or AOL 9 or higher.
Availability
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Adobe superseded Reader 8 in 2008 with the release of Adobe Reader 9. Adobe Reader 8 is still available as a free download for users whose computers do not meet the requirements for running Reader 9. Adobe has a web page that allows users to input information about their system to download the appropriate version of Reader (see Resources).
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References
Resources
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