Adobe PDF reader keeps pushing Mcafee on me and it’s now gone.
What PDF reader does the forum suggest using?
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Windows » Windows 7 » Questions: Windows 7 » Recommend PDF reader?
I used Foxit for a few years until it’s latest update sneaked in Conduit Search, including changing my homepage!!! I still don’t know how it happened, as I thought I knew all the tricks they use. Anyway, I was so mad that I uninstalled Foxit and went back to Adobe Reader. Adobe may be “bloated” and all that, but it works fine. When updating, the items to uncheck are plain to see.
I have been using PDF Xchange Viewer for a while and am happy with it.
They also have a free development system for non-profits that I use for some volunteer work in the ‘hood.
I have been using PDF Xchange Viewer for a while and am happy with it.
The free PDF X-Change Viewer version also has features (e.g., sticky notes, call outs) that most other PDF readers don’t include.
Are you downloading Adobe in Firefox as I always get that option when upgrading Flashplayer, Shockwave or Reader for that browser – in IE it pushes Google Chrome but unchecking the box gets you out of it.
I was using Adobe Reader until I learned about Foxit but one of my online utility bills will only work in Reader so I dumped Foxit (even though it’s supposed to be able to read all PDFs) and reverted to Reader.
Yeah Sudo, Firefox is my default browser But I didn’t get the option to un-check anything.
Are you downloading Adobe in Firefox as I always get that option when upgrading Flashplayer, Shockwave or Reader for that browser – in IE it pushes Google Chrome but unchecking the box gets you out of it.
I was using Adobe Reader until I learned about Foxit but one of my online utility bills will only work in Reader so I dumped Foxit (even though it’s supposed to be able to read all PDFs) and reverted to Reader.
Are you downloading Adobe in Firefox as I always get that option when upgrading Flashplayer, Shockwave or Reader for that browser – in IE it pushes Google Chrome but unchecking the box gets you out of it.
I was using Adobe Reader until I learned about Foxit but one of my online utility bills will only work in Reader so I dumped Foxit (even though it’s supposed to be able to read all PDFs) and reverted to Reader.
I use the free version of Ninite (https://ninite.com/) to add/update most of my preferred software programs in a “start and forget” fashion. That is, once started, Ninite will install the programs you have chosen using their default settings and none of any associated crapware that might be bundled with the software. However, it does not add/update Flash. That evidently requires Ninite Pro, which my company uses.
For Flash, I use Secunia PSI (http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/). Secunia will monitor most of your installed programs and advise you when updates are available. You can then update them from within Secunia. (If I know that one or more programs have updates available, I will just run Ninite because it will do only the updates much more conveniently than Secunia.)
In both cases–Ninite and Secunia–I have not seen any additional crapware installed.
To recap, I use Ninite to install programs and to update them when I know that updates are available. I use Secunia to check to see if updates are available and to update Flash when its updates are available.
My preferred pdf reader is Foxit, though I do keep Adobe PDF Reader on my systems just in case.
Are you downloading Adobe in Firefox as I always get that option when upgrading Flashplayer, Shockwave or Reader for that browser – in IE it pushes Google Chrome but unchecking the box gets you out of it.
I was using Adobe Reader until I learned about Foxit but one of my online utility bills will only work in Reader so I dumped Foxit (even though it’s supposed to be able to read all PDFs) and reverted to Reader.
I had the same problem. I think it was encrypted was the reason. Haven’t had that happen for a long time now so I don’t remember the exact circumstance.
Adobe Reader now has a prechecked box to include additional software on its download page. You have to uncheck it before initiating the download.
Jerry
I think I’ve tried Secunia and the Ninite program sounds useful but it’s still another program to take up memory and I like to keep things simple.
These days Flashplayer updates follow Windows Updates as night follows day so you know that they will be available at some point in time even if you don’t get the auto notifications.
I normally have their and Java’s scheduler updater disabled so it’s normally a manual check for that as well.
I think I’ve tried Secunia and the Ninite program sounds useful but it’s still another program to take up memory and I like to keep things simple.
These days Flashplayer updates follow Windows Updates as night follows day so you know that they will be available at some point in time even if you don’t get the auto notifications.
I normally have their and Java’s scheduler updater disabled so it’s normally a manual check for that as well.
Ninite is an executable file that runs only when you opt to run it.
Secunia can be set up the same way.
Should not be an issue to have on your system.
I’ve mostly used PDFXchange, but did have Foxit installed on one machine for sometime. Then Foxit hopped in bed with Conduit and I carelessly didn’t notice that little detail when I accepted a Foxit ‘update’ earlier this year. My installation of Foxit went into the same trashcan as Conduit.
I’ve mostly used PDFXchange, but did have Foxit installed on one machine for sometime. Then Foxit hopped in bed with Conduit
and I carelessly didn’t notice that little detail when I accepted a Foxit ‘update’ earlier this year. My installation of Foxit went into the same trashcan as Conduit.
That must have been nasty – wonder if any other Foxit users have experienced the same ?
I, too, got caught in the Conduit crap with a Foxit update. As a result, I have removed Foxit from all of our local library’s computers (I take care of their computer problems) and replaced it with PDF-XChange Viewer that I’ve used at home for many years. I now strongly recommend against Foxit Reader.
I consider Adobe to be just like a virus, constantly wanting you to upgrade, even when you aren’t using it, just so you can accidentally download some toolbar or program. I haven’t used it in years and I really like Nitro PDF. It works great and doesn’t bother you with upgrades unless you are actually using the program.
I regularly visit these 2 sites and between them I know when most program updates become available. Even though I have lots of memory, the less background programs running and random update checks, the better.
Try downloading Adobe Reader from the FTP site (ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win/). You’ll get the direct download, with no installer and it’s attendant crapware.
Similarly, you can download Adobe Flash directly (no Adobe Download Manager and crapware) from this site: ; look near the bottom of the page (below paragraph 7).
While MajorGeeks is a reputable download site, I prefer to get my updates from the program publisher web sites and not a 3rd party download source. Ninite does that with no extra effort on my part. For most people, letting Ninite handle the updates is better than them not getting them at all, or not bothering to go look for them.
While MajorGeeks is a reputable download site, I prefer to get my updates from the program publisher web sites and not a 3rd party download source.
Majorgeeks always has a link to the publishers site where you could find the desired download. Some of the download links sometimes contain the authors site. You might even find some entertainment there. I can understand the desire to simplify this process though and the program looks interesting. My past experience with updater programs is that they do not always do what you want and sometimes become insolvent due to lack of income.
I use the full version of Acrobat for edting PDF’s. But for reading, I found Acrobat Reader became a pig – slow loading and bloated.
Like several here, I quite like Foxit. I’ve tried a few others but this is the fastest and they’ve added features like commenting – great for making notes in statements and such.
I used Adobe Reader 8 for years. In my opinion it was the last truly good version of Reader. But then after reading this thread I decided to give PDF X-Change Viewer a try. And I’m so glad I did!! It has so many features that I never even thought I’d need someday. Thanks to everyone on this thread for suggesting this awesome prod!
Cheers,
maligo
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Notifications