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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: Integrate PDF with Your Social Networks:
For Facebook and Twitter users, Foxit Reader provides integration to your social networks. Foxit Reader users can log into their account, select text from a PDF document, and share it as Facebook or Twitter status. Users can also take a snapshot of a region of a document and share it as a picture on Facebook or Twitter. Also, users can share the current document, or select a document from Windows Explorer, and share the document using Foxit's OnDema... See all new features
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,821 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 17 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"I used to love this program"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Typewriter and drawing function allow you to edit pdf files.
Cons
Not only does it rearrange your desktop icons but it doesn't maintain your user settings when you upgrade! Also, on one installation, it kept changing the user setting to allow multiple instances instead of tabs.
I'm still using but I refuse to install any upgrades.Summary
They better fix their problems soon or I'll start looking for a better option.
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"Was better before"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Its small and quite fast.
Cons
Some Printing issues.
Summary
Still an ok choise.
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"Light and customizable"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Loved lightness and the possibility to customize toolbars and all properties.
Cons
I would like to zoom with an specific number, but it's not possible.
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"i FIND THIS A VERY GOOD ALTERNATIVE."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Operates in the background automatically.
Cons
None that I have found.
Summary
I would recommend this program for all Firefox users.
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"Dont bother if you printing using foxit"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Fast loading and display.
And their customer service is honest and fair..Cons
When it prints docs, it screws up and prints larger than your printer can handle, ie,. prints A4 as legal
Summary
Still in development, and we are testing it for them.
Foxit suggest we stick to version 4.31...... -
"Foxit updates have solved prior problems."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
Fast, works well with Adobe Acrobat and Adobe X fill in forms. Unlike Adobe Reader, a form can be filled out and saved to a storage device. Adobe Reader only permits a form to be filled and then printed without being able to save the completed form.
Cons
Not a substitute for Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat X. Without paying for upgrade, the program will not allow pages to be added, inserted or deleted.
Summary
Very good product.
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"It used to be great!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
I know they exist but I'm currently too annoyed to identify them.
Cons
Upgrading from 5.0 to 5.1 wipes out all of your settings forcing you to tinker ad nauseum in an effort to regain it's former usefulness. The one feature I valued the most (tabs for opening multiple docs) has now gone deep undercover and when it chooses to emerge does so in an unreliable manner. If there is a setting to control tab behavior in Preferences, it is obviously hiding under an unrecognizable description.
A search on the company's forum website (in the vain attempt to resolve my issues) reveals pages' worth of posts about sports games on "live TV!" - ***? Oh, and I can't even post my question since I am still waiting on moderator approval.
End result: a whole lot of wasted time screwing around with the program INSTEAD of using it to access my documents! That'll teach me to try and keep all my programs up-to-date.Summary
If it ain't broke, don't fix it!
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"still the best"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
The fastest and easiest of them all
Cons
Not aware of any
Summary
Out of All I've tried I like this best
Updated on Nov 22, 2011 -
"There is a printing issue"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
It works as a pdf reader
Cons
Am not able to reduce documents to print on A3 and A4 size paper
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"not worth the trouble"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.1.0.1021
Pros
none that I am aware of for me!
Cons
last time I did an update, I had to do a complete system restore to get my PC to work again
Summary
this is supposed to lighter and faster than adobe, maybe it is but cause too many problems for me to use
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