Adobe has just released a new version of its program that displays PDF's (Portable Document Files), Adobe Reader,v.8. It has a slick new look and an interface that is much easier to use. Its main improvement is a super quick launch time from a web site click. Significant graphic acceleration now allows fast smooth scrolling, improved 2D graphic display and rotating 3D graphics from within the reader.

Collaboration with other producers is now also possible with version 8 and it supports Internet conferencing features. Documents can now be digitally signed with Adobe Reader. 'Search' and 'Find' features are now faster and more accurate.

You can now annotate the documents you view and save to your own computer without change to the original document on the Web. The IRS uses PDF files for their 'Forms and Publications' and now it lets you fill out their forms on a PDF screen display and then save the file to your hard disk for later revision and printing. The Franchise Tax Board also allows completion on the screen and printing, but not saving-the last things for which I needed a typewriter.

The PDF format allows writers to control the document so that it can be read, but not altered over the Internet without permission. Over 1.5 billion .pdf files are now on the Internet. They include most manuals, user guides, brochures, forms, and other document. Web sites use PDF's when they want to display formatted information, so a PDF reader is a necessity for web users.

Photos placed into the PDF format can be viewed by any Internet user without having to use specific graphic format programs or even a PC. With a large monitor you can read 2 pages side by side and then print 2 pages on a sheet and 2 pages on the back to save paper.

Many software programs ( i.e. Word, Paper Port, Word Perfect, PhotoShop) allow you to create your own PDF and now, with Adobe Reader v.8, any program can have its output placed into the PDF format through an Adobe web site, and saved back on your hard disk.

For early upgraders, Adobe Reader v.8 supports Windows Vista and its new visual look as well.