PDF files were developed by Adobe Systems, and
served as a way for people using multiple word processing systems to share
finished documents. Because there are multiple word processing software packages
in use that are not compatible with one another, the need for a common file
format that everyone could open and read became the centerpiece of the Adobe
Acrobat software.
Regardless of whether the end user preferred
open source, Microsoft, or Corel word processors, documents could be created in
the program of choice, then saved as PDF files. With a full Adobe suite, it is
also possible to create the document using the Adobe software with the same
level of ease as any word processing program. The saved PDF files can be shared
with others, who will only need to download the free Adobe Reader to open and
read the file.
One of the advantages of using PDF files to
distribute electronic documents is that the file can be locked against editing
by others, even if they have Acrobat software. This has increased the use of PDF
files for such applications as electronic newsletters, contracts, book
manuscripts and finance reports. Because the documents are secure, the
originator of the document maintains a high level of control, even when the
document has been distributed widely. In addition to frequent use in the
business world, PDF files are also used often to create electronic books for
sale, online magazines, and electronic brochures for non-profit organizations.
While PDF files were originally developed by
Adobe, there are a number of products on the market today that will convert
spreadsheets, text documents, and just about all forms of electronic writing
software into PDF files. Generally, these products may be focused on converting
other types of files to a PDF format, rather than creating PDF files from
scratch. While many of these products seem to work well, few of them can compete
with the features of Acrobat for the price. When it comes to creating and
reading PDF files, the original may still be the best.
( Courtesy: Malcolm Tatum
http://www.wisegeek.com/
)
