Author: Kathleen Krueger

How many times have you read this offer all over the internet? What is your first thought? If you were like me, it used to go like this, "Ah, someone wants to send me some computer file/stuff, and maybe there is like a virus or something, but PDF files are cool." I would fail the 2-question pop-quiz. 1. " What does PDF stand for?" Answer went like this: "Adobe electronic output thingie". 2. "Who is the biggest user of PDF files?" Having spent more than anyone in a higher education setting, the answer was a fast-and-hard no-brainer: the educational/college system.

The correct answers, in order, are Portable Document Format and the Federal Government. If you are like most people, you have probably encountered your first PDF document when downloading tax forms from the IRS. As I came to learn, that is no due process of business. Adobe developed the original PDF format for the Federal Government who was in search for a way to store its legal files.

That's all interesting, but why should we care? Below are the reasons why for the reader and the sender:

For the Reader:

Easy Download: Anyone doing their thing around the Internet realizes these files are easy to download, and readable on almost any platform. Once again, this isn't some casual occurrence. Files are smaller (quicker transfer), and compatible with PC's and Macs alike, and by design.

Free Reader-ware: Some publishing programs don't open later or earlier versions of their programs, like MS Publisher, meaning, they are not cross compatible with each other. Upgrades cost money, the cost being plus/minus $150.00 or so. That is 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 I download from the net, is the transference of viruses. I do have virus and spyware protection, and I'm all set to have this check out my transfers when I see "Download Free Ebook". It's a great peace of mind, but so is this fact. PDF files are highly virus, worm, and Trojan horse resistant.

And for those of us with full versions like Adobe Acrobat Standard, when we see a file ending .pdf.pdf or doc.exe, we to delete it if our virus protection program hasn't got it already. So, I see "download free ebook", and sometimes "download pdf file", which is better, I know I'm not setting my computer up for digital mayhem.

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 anyway, it leaves an electronic footprint. I can prove originality, and it is admissible, in a court of law. Secondly, other security features, easy to use, watermarking, and securing the document behind a password (very cool).

Same as Above: I am sending a document that is easy to send, virus-resistant, easy to read across any platform, and tamper resistant.

Easy Store: PDF is the economical format, and if it applies, allowing them to be stored like on company servers instead of placing a demand for additional hard-drive space. The format is also practical in the sense they can be integrated into any network.

Ok, now we know this is a cool set-up. Not all PDF files are created equal. How many times did an ebook/pdf file open up magnified so large that each page could easily be fitted to a side of a barn?

The other problem that seems to go with that is that the receiver sometimes doesn't realize how many pages have been sent, particularly if receiving "a PDF file" by email. With ebooks, the reader is expecting numerous pages, and will often just look in the bottom left hand corner for the page count. But what if I need to make it clear my file has numerous pages?

Here is the nifty, easy-breezy solution: Once you have your pdf file in Acrobat, go to File - Documents - Open Options.

In Open Options choose Initial View. Choices are Page Only, Bookmark and Page, Thumbnails and Page. (Choose Thumbnails and Page). Choose page #. Choose magnification, and Choose layout. Click OK. Save and close out. Check to see if initial opening of your file is what you expect. Result should be another example of a reader-sender win-win digital situation.

When you download a free ebook, or free pdf file, you know are getting a safe and quality product. If you decide to send any sort of pdf files, now you can do so with a bit of presentation skill and expertise making yourself more compatible with your screen readers.

About the Author:
Kathleen Krueger invites you to Marginsxs Ebooks http://www.marginsxs.com and browse best-selling internet marketing ebooks. Selection includes self-improvement ebooks. Most materials with resale rights. Please visit the MarginsXs Blog, www.marginsxs.com/Blog for free IM, Seo, and Web Design tips! "