Adobe Reader is Adobe's PDF file reader application that many people use. However, with the advancement of technology, Adobe Reader is gradually losing its position due to consuming a considerable amount of system resources and having some security vulnerabilities. Currently, users no longer need to install any supporting software to read a PDF file because modern browsers already integrate the ability to browse PDF files. Mytour will guide you on how to use browsers and supporting tools to replace Adobe Reader.
Google Chrome
Google Chrome is a browser that comes with a built-in PDF viewer, which has been included since 2010. Google Chrome has made opening PDF files quick and easy; users simply need to download the PDF file and open it directly in the browser without needing a separate PDF viewer. The downside of Google Chrome is that it lacks any features other than opening a PDF file. If you only need to view content, downloading Chrome is a good option for you.
Mozilla Firefox
Similar to Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox has integrated a built-in PDF viewer into the browser since Firefox version 19. Up to now, Firefox's PDF viewer is also well-developed, but it still only has similar features to viewing PDFs on Google Chrome.
Firefox's PDF viewer is not actually a browser plugin; this feature is written in Javascript - a language similar to the ones used in web pages. This means that the PDF viewer also has sandboxing features similar to other web pages, which is a plus for Firefox as it ensures computer security, avoiding current malicious PDF file exploits. You should download Firefox and experience this excellent feature.
Microsoft Edge
Similar to other browsers, Microsoft Edge also integrates a built-in PDF viewer upon its release, allowing users to directly open PDF files without the need for supporting software. The biggest downside of the browser is still the lack of editing features, even the useful annotation feature on Microsoft Edge is not supported in PDF files. Hopefully, in future updates, editing or annotating PDF files will be directly added to this browser.
Windows Reader
This is a Modern app introduced on the Windows Store since the release of Windows 8. The PDF reader is pre-installed on all computers and has full reading features like on the browser. The advantage of the app is its ability to read two continuous pages in a file and it doesn't consume many system resources.
Alternative PDF Readers
If you want to browse, or even better, edit or share PDF files, there are plenty of free software options available such as Foxit Reader, Sumatra PDF... Among them, Foxit Reader is built on the latest languages, offering advanced security features, minimal resource consumption, and completely free. These are the optimal choices to replace the outdated, heavy, and security-vulnerable Adobe Reader.
Here are some alternative PDF viewing tools to Adobe Reader. PDF is currently a widely used document format, and you can also learn how to convert images to PDF on Windows 10 without using software.