Foxit Reader, the free alternative to Adobe Reader, gets released in it’s fifth version with major changes. At first glance, you can clearly see how the interface is changed, now is prettier and with several themes to choose from. Also, tabbed browsing has now been optimized, making reading several documents at the same time more easier, and even use the same keyboard shortcuts as a browser.
Between some other old improved features we find:
- The safe reading mode, that deactivates any external links on the document
- The possibility to make comments on an specific area and so others can read it with time and date
- We can also attach files to the document without creating a new one, and in some cases, we don’t even need to modify it at all. Just select the file you want to attach, and it will be there to anyone who reads it
- Digital Signature Validation, something that’s getting more and more common, and it’s only “[…] an installed file resident on a computer that validates who you are. Digital signatures are used by programs on the internet and local to the machines to confirm your identity to any third party concerned.” via
Although there are a few cons about it; the software is getting bigger, just like Adobe’s, so it’s getting heavier and slower. New animations on the full screen mode are just resource eater and not that many to even justify it. And the worst part, when a versions ago, this software opened instantly any document, now took 2 or 3 seconds, too much compared to the old versions.
Anyway, still is faster, secure and more customizable that Adobe Reader, and that’s why is a better option, and the best part, is free and doesn’t even require a registration.
Link | Foxit Reader
