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Foxit PDF Reader, the program that many consider to be a faster, lighter, more able Windows alternative to Adobe Reader, has recently jumped to version 5.0. This newest release comes with many of the same solid features, a few new ones, and an upgraded interface.
As with the previous version, the setup process is a bit cumbersome. First, watch out for the two check boxes that make Ask your browser default search provider and Ask.com your home page. Opt out as necessary. Then, toward the end of the installation process, be sure to read carefully and opt out of the Addin for Mozilla FireFox, Opera, Safari and Chrome--unless, of course, you're into bloated toolbars. Once you make it through the installation gauntlet, the rest should be smooth sailing.
The new Foxit Reader 5.0 interface is a bit sleeker than in previous versions. It still has clean, easily distinguishable icons, and the toolbar is still customizable. In addition, you can now choose your color scheme (black, blue, orange, purple). It's not ground-breaking, but it's a nice touch. You can also choose a new ribbon-style menu and customize your own shortcut keys.
Foxit Reader 5.0 still includes many of the useful features that its rival, Adobe Reader, doesn't. There's tabbed PDF viewing, text-only view, rulers, Safe Mode, and several annotation tools for things like highlighting and commenting. Meanwhile, 5.0 has added a few conveniences that give it an extra edge, including XFA form filling, support for Microsoft RMS-protected files, and previews in Outlook.
Overall, we think the new Foxit Reader is a worthwhile download. While it may not be perfect--it can't create PDFs, and it pesters users with add-ons and upgrades--it's still a solid alternative to Adobe Reader.
Foxit Reader - Open, view, and print any PDF file- Download Video Previews:Publisher's Description
From Foxit Software:
The Foxit Reader is a small, fast, and feature rich PDF viewer which allows you to open, view, and print any PDF file. Unlike other free PDF readers, Foxit Reader also includes easy to use collaboration features like the ability to add annotations, fill out forms, and add text to PDF documents. Foxit Reader has a small footprint that starts up instantly, renders PDF files quickly and uses very little memory, which is especially important with today's handheld devices. The Foxit Reader is packed full of convenient and easy to use viewing, editing and printing features that make document collaboration simple. Foxit Reader's secure platform insures worry free operation against malicious virus and provides a secure and reliable digital signature verification platform for exchanging electronics documents without putting the user at risk from falsified documents.
What's new in this version: Version 5.0.1.0523 included where easy-to-use review and commenting tools and XFA Form Filling.
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,821 votes
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Current version:
3.1 starsout of 59 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"NO LONGER my choice for default PDF reader"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
The reader works just as well as ever. However, I uninstalled it due to a persistent annoying popup that couldn't be disabled (see Cons).
Pity, this WAS the best pdf reader out there.Cons
See (Summary for details)
INVASIVE!
I opted out of both ASK options. Ask installed anyway and presented a persistent annoying popup.
It also affected my IE9 browser adversly.Summary
INVASIVE. I opted out of both ASK options. Ask installed anyway. Each ime I tried to open a PDF or change settings I got a persistent popup telling me Foxit PDF Toolbard (ASK) installed successfully and that I should enable it. It shows as disabled in IE9 Options, but the popup still persisssssssssts!
Nitro Reader Free 2.0.0.29 is a great alternative to Foxit!
It adversely affected my IE9 browser (even without opening a PDF in IE9). After installing Foxit 5.0.1.0523, IE9 would start to open, then flip to Google Chrome! I have no clue how this could be, but that behaviour stopped as soon as I uninstalled Foxit 5.0.1.0523.
I didn't keep it installed long enough to experience the other annoying popups referenced in the reviews above, for which I am grateful.
TobyJugg (review above) put it well: "This is Electronic Rape"!
BOTTOM LINE: Foxit PDF Reader has been my first choice for a few years. It was fast, light, and had all the options I need for my use. I've never had major problems with it until this version. I'm afraid I'll have to use Adobe now, until such time that Foxit realizes they need to clean up their act for their users' sake.
THIS VERSION OF FOXIT IS NOT READY FOR USE!!!
Updated on Jul 20, 2011
I checked out other PDF alternatives on CNET and am happy to have found Nitro Reader Free 2.0.0.29. It is just as fast and light as Foxit, and has a fast & easy-to-use converter for document-to-PDF use. It converts several standard file types, including images - for free!
The interface is attractive, colorful, and very intuitive. It uses a Windows-style Tool Ribbon, with larger icons than most so I don't have to squint to see what a tool is.
The free version doesn't have options for changing the display from the default continuous view, nor for changing exposure and background color, and the help is disabled. The latter isn't a major problem for me since it's not hard to figure out this program (even for a non-geek like me), and online support forums had answers to my questions so far.
BOTTOM LINE: I have a great new default PDF reader and I won't have to hassle with Foxit's most recent indiscretions.
Updated on Nov 14, 2011to mike1354x2. How nice for you that Foxit gives you no trouble. Now, if you could just learn to spell...
I had trouble with Nitro, also, and unistalled it. It kept forcing itself and a couple of sub-programs into Startup (Win7).
I've been using PDF-XChange viewer with no problems. It's fast and light on resources. -
"very good download"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
easier to download than Adobe and does just as good a job
Cons
no at this moment
Summary
i had never heard of foxit but now would reccommend to all that need a pdf reader
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"Trouble reading browser PDF's"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
None noticeable.
Cons
Locks up browser (Firefox and MSIE 8) trying to read some browser PDF files. Printing certain PDF files took VERY long, as much as 5 min to format each page so the printer could print it.
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"NO Opt-out for Ask Toolbar in This Install File"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Didn't get far enough to find out
Cons
When installing, there is absolutely NO option to not install the ASK.com toolbar. Others have verified this. They showed me screen shots from their install files for the very same version. They had the option. This install file does NOT.
Summary
CNET needs to be aware of the above. I assure you, it is 5.0.1.0523 which my friends and I compared screen shots of the install options. They had a check box for the Ask toolbar option. Not just the homepage and default search options, but the toolbar option. This install file from CNET *does not* give that option, at least as of July 11. It was nearly impossible for me to remove Ask from my computer, even with Revo. I had to do a system restore. DO NOT use this installer unless you truly want Ask installed to your program files and running in the background, even when you disable it in your browser!
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"Problems upon and after installation..."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Replaces Adobe's 'bloatware' Reader programs. Yea..!!! Plus this program "seemed" to work fine after installation, but, and this is a 'big' but see my Cons and Bottom line summary of this program overall....
Cons
Immediately after install, all my desktop icons were re-arranged, but program worked. I re-arranged my DT icons, (I have 30+). Program seemed to work fine, but I didn't like what it had done, so I un-installed it. It re-arranged them again..!!! UGH..
Summary
Strange, very strange that this total DT icon re-arranging stuff happened right after the program installation finished, and then again, right after un-installing this program. I won't put this program back on my system again.
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"Lightweight, multifunctional pdf software"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Not only very quick to open, also offers various annotation options with the free version
Cons
Had one or two crashes with v5 BUT these were immediately addressed by the development team when I submitted a crash report. Brilliant support.
Summary
This is a versatile piece of pdf software. It opens pdf files almost instantaneously, unlike slow and clunky traditional alternatives.
It offers various options for annotating pdf files with the free version, including highlighting text, adding comments, typing text onto the page and underlining text. This has helped me move from printing out papers to read to reading and annotating on-screen and at (I believe) 6 litres of water to produce one piece of A4 paper, that's a major positive impact on the environment, Foxit! -
"Beats Acrobat Hands Down"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Works, works, works. More fully featured; easy to use and navigate.
Cons
None so far.
Summary
I use Adobe products when necesary - Flash, Photoshop - but I'm glad Foxit-Reader is available and free.
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"Better than Adobe Reader...any day"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Free.
Has many features as compared to Adobe Reader.
Fast.
Lightweight.Cons
Would like to have some more features like deleting individual pages, but I think it's a lot to ask for free.
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"Far better"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
It is much better than the Adobe Reader. I have never found a document I could not read easily. Plus the big advantage is they are not always wanting to do updates.
Cons
Have not found any yet.
Summary
It does what you need when you need it. Can't get better than that.
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"Electronic RAPE"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.0.1.0523
Pros
Reads .pdf files
Cons
Used to be good but now installs ASK Toolbar without your permission - impossible to stop it - this is Electronic Rape. Make sure you uninstall toolbar immediately. Nag screen to Register as well. WHY call it a Free Version?????
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