Download Free PDF eBook
How many times have you read this offer on the Internet? What is your first thought? If you were like me, you used to say, “Oh, someone wants to send me some computer file/stuff, and maybe there’s a virus or something, but PDFs are great.” I would fail the 2 question pop quiz. 1. “What does PDF mean?” The answer went like this: “Electronic outlet thingy from Adobe.” 2. “Who is the biggest user of PDF files?” Having spent more than anyone else in a higher education setting, the answer was a quick and hard no-brainer: the education/university system.
The correct answers, in order, are Portable Document Format and Federal Government. If you’re like most people, you’ve probably found your first PDF document when downloading IRS tax forms. As I have come to learn, that is not due business process. Adobe developed the original PDF format for the Federal Government looking for a way to store their legal files.
All of that is interesting, but why should we care? Here are the reasons why for the reader and sender:
For the reader:
*Easy Download: Anyone who does their thing on the internet finds that these files are easy to download and can be read on almost any platform. Once again, this is not a coincidence. Files are smaller (faster transfer) and compatible with PCs and Macs alike, and by design.
*Free Reader-ware: Some publishing programs do not open older or later versions of their programs, such as MS Publisher, which means they are not compatible with each other. Upgrades cost money, the cost is roughly $150.00 or so. That’s all you get for your $150.00. As most already know, PDF can be accessed with free reader, updates too, software. That means: free AND cross-platform compatible.
*Viral Resistance: As a reader, my biggest concern when downloading from the web is virus transfer. I have virus and spyware protection, and I’m ready for you to verify my transfers when you see “Download Free eBook.” It is a great peace of mind, but so is this fact. PDF files are highly resistant to viruses, worms, and Trojan horses. And for those of us with full versions like Adobe Acrobat Standard, when we see a file that ends in .pdf.pdf or doc.exe, we should remove it if our virus protection program doesn’t already have it. So I see ‘download free ebook’ and sometimes ‘download pdf file’ which is better, I know I’m not setting up my computer for digital chaos.
For the sender:
*Security: PDF files are a great way to protect my intellectual property. First, a PDF file is a read-only document. If it is changed or edited in any way, it leaves an electronic footprint. I can prove originality, and it is admissible, in a court of law. Second, other security features, easy to use, watermark and document protection with a password (very interesting).
*Same as above: I am submitting a document that is easy to send, virus resistant, easy to read on any platform, and tamper resistant.
*Easy Store: PDF is the economical format and, if applicable, allows it to be stored on company servers instead of requiring additional hard drive space. The format is also practical in the sense that they can be integrated into any network.
Ok, now we know this is a cool setup. Not all PDF files are created equal. How many times have you opened an ebook/pdf file so large that each page could easily be placed on the side of a barn? The other problem that seems to go with that is that the recipient sometimes doesn’t realize how many pages have been sent, especially if they receive “a PDF file” via email. With eBooks, the reader expects numerous pages and often just looks in the bottom left corner for the page count. But what if I need to clarify that my file has multiple pages? Here’s the neat and simple solution: Once you have your pdf file in Acrobat, go to File > Documents > Open Options. Under Open Options, choose Initial View. The options are Page Only, Bookmark and Page, Thumbnails, and Page. (Choose Thumbnails and Page.) Choose page #. Choose the magnification and Choose the design. Click OK. Save and close. Check if the initial opening of your file is what you expect. The result should be another example of a digital reader-sender win-win situation.
When you download a free ebook or free pdf file, you know you’re getting a safe, quality product. If you decide to send any type of pdf file, you can now do it with a little skill and presentation experience, making it more compatible with your screen readers.