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Foxit Reader

Version: 3.0

Downloads Count: 152,890

License Type: Free

Price: Free

Date Added: Dec 17, 2008

Operating Systems: Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows Server 2003

File Size: 3371 KB

Author: Foxit Software Company

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Avg. User Rating 2

Editorial Review of Foxit Reader

I first ran across Foxit Reader while searching for a lightweight alternative to Adobe Reader, which for several major revisions grew increasingly bloated and slow. Foxit fit the bill nicely, though for a few versions I still had to keep the Adobe product on hand for graphics intensive PDF files. Now though, Foxit is the only PDF reader I use.

It's been a long while since I've run across a PDF file that Foxit Reader doesn't handle perfectly. It takes up far less disk space than Adobe Reader, and--even with much quicker performance of more recent versions of the latter--it's still faster. I've even used the Windows Mobile version of Foxit Reader on my now deceased Blackjack Smartphone with excellent results.

I must admit I was a bit worried when I read the list of new features in the latest 3.0 version of Foxit Reader. After all, I started using the program because of its speed and lack of bloat. I needn't have worried. It's still only a 4MB download and despite new multimedia handling features, thumbnail and layers view panels, and some other enhancements--it's still fast, though perhaps a tad slower loading than previous versions.

As with many free programs, there's some advertising to sit through. The install asks to add a Foxit toolbar as well as an eBay shortcut, and it wants to set your homepage to Foxit Software, so don't just blindly click through. Also, though the free version handily lets you alter content, there are watermarks in the finished product that are only removed when you purchase the $40 Pro Pak version. All in all, Foxit Reader is the way to go--unless you simply like wasting time and disk space with Adobe's fatter app.

Caveat: The latest version of FoxIt Reader makes avoiding installing the Ask.com toolbar a tad tricky. Deselect the first confusingly-worded option as well as the second option which wants to make Ask.com your home page. If you make a mistake, there's no Control Panel-Add/Remove Programs entry and even uninstalling FoxIt Reader won't remove the toolbar. As of this writing you're forced to navigate to C:\Program Files\AskBarDis and run unins000.exe to expunge it.

--Jon L. Jacobi

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Most recent User Reviews for Foxit Reader

Reviewed by: martin77084

09-29-2009

Duration of ownership: 0 Days

Strengths: That I still have a copy of an old, free-standing version on hand.

Weaknesses: It tries to load your computer with junk when you install it, and then pesters you to death trying to sell the paid version. The fact that it has to be installed is enough to kill it for me... the old version just sits on the desktop, and when opened once, associates itself with all PDF files on your computer, all you have to do is click on any PDF file, and it opens instantly.

Overall Evaluation: They have ruined a perfectly good little program. Whoever is in charge should be horse-whipped.
Reviewed by: RealNeil

09-29-2009

Duration of ownership: 8 Months

Strengths: It has a small footprint with no programs hogging system memory like Adobe does.

Weaknesses: None detectable

Overall Evaluation: This is a full featured PDF reader without the Adobe bloat that slows down system performance. It opens any PDF file with ease and speed. I recommend this reader to anybody as a replacement to Adobe Reader.
Reviewed by: WhosYourSeanie

02-16-2009

Duration of ownership: 8 Months

Strengths: Not really sure. They say it is a smaller program and more efficient than Adobe Reader.

Weaknesses: The main weakness and the reason I wont install it on any more computers is the update process attempts to give you a bunch of other stuff you don't need, including trial versions of other foxit products. This is unacceptable. People should be able to do program updates without a bunch of hassle so that they can make sure their software is patched as it should be. The way this software updates makes one not want to ever do it. My suggestion for foxit reader and other software developers is make updating EASY. A simple "click" and it updates it with everything you need without including a bunch of junk.

Overall Evaluation: Poor. It doesn't matter how good everything else is. The update process ruins it.
Reviewed by: cyoung100

02-12-2009

Duration of ownership: 2 Years

Strengths: It is the only free PDF reader that allows you to fill forms and save them.

Weaknesses: Slightly buggy on filling forms - occasional temporary "stuck cursor" and data save problems.

Overall Evaluation: For free dissemination of PDF forms for folks to fill in, it cannot be beat!
Reviewed by: HA2000

10-22-2008

Duration of ownership: 6 Months

Strengths: Very fast and small download none of the features work if you do not buy the pro version

Weaknesses: Very annoying program if you do not buy the full version

Overall Evaluation: It was a waste of my time.
Reviewed by: hankster

04-08-2008

Duration of ownership: 2 Days

Strengths: It's fast and small

Weaknesses: Without purchasing add ons the product foes not live up to your description

Overall Evaluation: Not worth the time.

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Editorial Review of Foxit Reader

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Most recent User Reviews for Foxit Reader

Reviewed by: martin77084

Reviewed by: RealNeil

Reviewed by: WhosYourSeanie

Reviewed by: cyoung100

Reviewed by: HA2000

Reviewed by: hankster

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Foxit Reader

Editorial Review of Foxit Reader

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Submit your Review

Most recent User Reviews for Foxit Reader

Reviewed by: martin77084

Reviewed by: RealNeil

Reviewed by: WhosYourSeanie

Reviewed by: cyoung100

Reviewed by: HA2000

Reviewed by: hankster

See more user reviews »

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