The PDF file has become something of a standard file type, particularly when it comes to distributing documents via the internet. This portable format can be used on a variety of operating systems and each document will look exactly the same on each computer.

Adobe Reader is one of several programs that can be used to view PDF files and provides an easy way to navigate long documents. A search facility makes is possible to jump to instances of a specific word or phrase, while support for hyperlinks, both internal and external, means that you can jump to different sections of a document, or view related information online.

Where the author has allowed it, PDF documents can be printed out, with the guarantee that what you see on screen is what you will see on paper. Support for Adobe Flash means that feature rich interactive documents can be viewed as well, and audio and video formats such as MP3 and QuickTime can also be embedded in PDFs.

As well as simply viewing files, documents can be read aloud, and shared online at the Acrobat.com web site. This is not a lightweight program, and it can suffer from being a little sluggish, but for unrivalled support for the PDF format, this is the program to go for.

What's new in 2019?

- Unified Share experience across desktop, mobile, and web. Easily collaborate on documents across desktop, mobile, and web.
- Unified Home view across desktop, mobile, and web
- Unified Document Cloud review service
- Unified document search
- Fill & Sign with locking and tracking
- Send for Signature powered by Adobe Sign
- Access to Google Drive files from within Acrobat
- Text and images editing from your iOS or Android tablet

Unrivalled PDF supported in a slightly bloated program, but no computer is complete without a copy of Adobe Reader.

SumatraPDF Portable 3.1.2

Freeware

Lightweight portable PDF reader that doesn’t compromise on features

SumatraPDF 3.1.2

Freeware

Lightweight PDF reader that doesn’t compromise on features

Adobe Reader 10.1.2

Freeware

Best book on astrology. Your essential tool for viewing PDF files

TransferWise 4.22

Freeware

Transfer money abroad for a fraction of what your bank charges you

Google Sheets for iOS 1.2019.20204

Freeware

Access and edit your Google Drive-hosted spreadsheets offline

Uber 3.352.10002

Freeware

Forget trying to flag a cab and have a private driver arriving within minutes from your phone

EssentialPIM Pro 8.51

Trial Software

Powerful and versatile personal information manager which makes it easy to manage notes, appointments, contacts and much more