Adobe Acrobat 8 get boosted and allows you to Connect

Posted June 20, 2007 at 05:30 PM by Adam Berger

Section: Computers, Software / Applications, Reviews, Features

The PDF file, potentially the most ubiquitous file format around the world. Whether we are talking about documents, forms, brochures, graphics, or 3D images the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF) has become the de facto standard. All you need to do it Google “PDF Converter” to see the hundreds of programs that allow you to create your own PDF files, but after some time with the real thing, Adobe Acrobat (we talking the full version, not just the free reader), you will never search for some 3rd party solution again.

 

As Adobe upgraded from version 7 to 8 the price stayed as steep, $449, but the features/offering continued to improve, especially for specific fields like legal and medical practices). When installed, the program automatically creates “Create PDF” buttons into other software you may have, including Microsoft Office applications. Next up is the newly designed “Getting Started” screen with all the options you could want: Create PDF, Combine Files, Export, Start Meeting, Secure, Sign Forms and Review/Comment. All options offer a rather tight step-by-step process for performing that task, with tons of help buttons along the way.

Creating and reviewing forms are now a breeze as Acrobat detects form fields upfront and can automatically collect form data as it gets submitted back to you. The Combine Files wizard steps you through grouping various files like a Microsoft Word document, an Excel spreadsheet, and a variety of images to make one PDF file. The Start Meeting and Review & Comment buttons take you to Adobe Connect for hosting virtual meeting spaces (the Macromedia Breeze replacement/equivalent)—which really has been a breeze to use. Finally, the last major improvement is security. Acrobat lets you now black out sensitive text permanently, even letting you search for keywords to erase so that you won’t miss one, keeping your secrets much more secure. You can also then layer on 128-bit encryption and a digital signature to protect your intellectual property.

Though $449 is a big price for this package, if you are a heavy business user or require tip-top security then look no further than Acrobat 8.0 with Connect.

Product Page [Adobe Acrobat] Product Page [Adobe Connect]