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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:
Foxit Reader is a small, fast, and feature rich PDF viewer for Microsoft Windows, 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 is an application with a small footprint that starts up instantly, renders PDF files quickly and uses very little memory. 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. Distributed free of charge, and widely available for download from partner sites worldwide, Foxit Reader provides an excellent alternative to the Adobe Reader on any computer running the Windows operating system. View, print, and collaborate easily using Foxit Reader.What's new in this version: Version 5.3.1.0606: Fixed an issue where some PDFs could not be opened because of a problem with the "loading font" process. Fixed an issue with using Hotmail accounts after installing Foxit Reader. Fixed an issue where the Foxit Reader plug-in cannot be loaded in Opera and will cause other plug-ins to fail to load. Fixed an issue caused by using track point to scroll PDFs on ThinkPads�?�®. Fixed an issue where the cursor cannot be moved to the beginning of PDF content when using the short-cu... See all new features
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All versions:
4.1 starsout of 1,819 votes
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Current version:
3.8 starsout of 10 votes
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My rating:
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Results 1-10 of 10
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"Light, Lean, Fast, Reliable"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
Beats the pants off Adobe AcroBLOAT! I would rate it five stars if they'd get rid of the ridiculous ASK toolbar on the installer.
The article is wrong, BTW. It says "...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" That is not correct. The first opt out is for the toolbar. The option that sentence refers to is for plug-ins that allow these browsers to view PDF files using FoxIt (opening directly in the browser rather than having to download the document and open it in an external window). I find that to be a useful feature.Cons
- User beware of ASK toolbar installer. Just decline permission and keep going.
- Needs a GLOBAL option to hide Navigation panel (rather than per document)Summary
Very good Acrobat replacement.
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"Super fast loading"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
Loads a file of 309 pages (641KB) in 2 seconds
Book marks documents and returns to the same page the next time it is openedCons
Nothing I can think of. It's not fancy but fast.
Summary
This is by far the fastest loading software I have used on my old XP computer. It is nothing fancy but saves time.
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"It actually works!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
It opens PDF files and doesn't crash within 10 seconds like Adobe does.
Cons
You have to worry about the toolbar installations and the crap with ask. For people who don't understand computers and let installers do as they wish this program may cause them problems, but no issue for those who pay attention to what their computer is doing.
Summary
I used Adobe forever, not really thinking that there was a better option out there. When Adobe started crashing moments after opening for every PDF file I tried to open I searched for another option, and this program opens PDFs which is what I expect out of a PDF reader. I will now be getting rid of Adobe.
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"Don't Like 5.* Using 4.3 looking at PdfXchange"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
Better that Adobe bloatware
Cons
Didn't like changes in interface
Hard figure out how to do stuffSummary
I installed 5.3 then uninstalled it and went back to 4.3 but am concerned about security issues so I'm going to try PDFxCHANGE
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"Better than Adobe Reader"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
User friendly interface.
Search function is superior.
Runs slightly faster than Adobe.Cons
None so far.
Summary
You have the option NOT to install the ask toolbar during setup, so go easy on the "Next" button or you might miss it.
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"Those who updated early got screwed"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
None, in light of sneaking in Ask "utilities".
Cons
Outrageous. When I contacted FoxIt to complain, I was told that the 'Ask' unattended installation was 'in error'. They sneaked in garbage on purpose!
Summary
Really angry about FoxIt as removal took several steps of which most are not automated. Shame on you FoxIt!
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"Simply excellent!!"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
simple,perfect working also search
[Full foxit search] works perfect and very rapid.
The nitro I bougt does not make a full se3arch possible!!Cons
none.
OCR:IF ADDED would be wonderful [even if this has to be bought ]because all programs I tried have a very moderate to bad OCR functionSummary
Highly recommended ,after trying out many applications.
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"Good Reader, I like it better than AdobeX"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
Does what it's supposed to do. Had no problems concerning installation of the ask toolbar.
Cons
Nothing bad to say.
Summary
I like Foxit Reader, I recommend it to anyone needing a simple reader.
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"It IS possible to get rid of Ask."
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
This is still a very good reader, but.....
Cons
There's that Ask problem. It is a bit sneaky in the installation of Foxit in that if you don't opt out in the proper order, you don't opt out of Ask at all!
Google 'remove ask' for instructions if you accidentally installed the Ask crapware. -
"Stay Away! Foxit Carries the Ask Toolbar Virus"
Version: Foxit Reader 5.3.1.0606
Pros
cannot give any props to software that infects my computer for their own profit.
Cons
Installs the Ask Toolbar Virus without asking permission
Summary
Foxit software did show up in my control panel as ask.com toolbar but even after installing all instances of Foxit I am still infected with the Ask Toolbar Virus. This removal is going to be quite difficult. My advice is to find another reader. Foxit used to be a good one but not anymore so run from this software. Run very far.
Results 1-10 of 10
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