How to Upgrade Adobe Reader 5.0

Malicious code can be embedded in many types of files, and PDF files are no exception.

Though Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 was released in 2001, it continues to run without a problem on most newer computers. For this reason, people who have not purchased a new computer or upgraded their operating system in a while may not have thought about the necessity of updating Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0. However, like many other feature-rich software programs, Adobe Acrobat Reader can sometimes be vulnerable to security threats. As these potential threats are discovered, they are quickly patched by Adobe. Update Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 to make sure that your system is as safe as it can be from malicious code embedded in PDF files.

Instructions

1. Close any instance of Acrobat Reader that is currently running, then open a Web browser and browse to Adobe's website. Click the "Get Adobe Reader" button in the lower right portion of the window.

2. Use the drop down menu to select the version of Windows that you have installed, and click "Continue."

3. Click the "Download" button. If you are prompted to download and install the Adobe Download Manager, click "Yes." The most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader will be downloaded. This process may take several minutes depending on the speed of your Internet connection.

4. Click "Close Download Manager" when the process is complete. The most recent version of Adobe Acrobat Reader is now installed and ready to use. Acrobat Reader 5.0 can be safely uninstalled if desired.

Tips & Warnings

• Although Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 does not include a utility to keep the program updated automatically, current versions of Acrobat Reader do. After you have manually downloaded the current version of Acrobat Reader, the built in update utility will prompt you automatically when an update is available.

References

• Adobe Acrobat Reader: Download Page