PDF files?

[smstonypoint]

I always thought the reason for the proliferation of the Adobe reader Borg collective was that the ubiquitous .pdf file works cross platform, Windows, Mac, Apple Iphone, and Android, and maybe others for all I know. So you have something that works on about everything.

James,

I am not questioning the utility provided by pdf files. My question is why sites choose to provide information through pdf files rather than directly through the browser. For example, I recently purchased a Kubota B2320. As I was doing my research about the tractor, I discovered that the specs were available only via a pdf file (https://www.kubota.com/product/B2320/B2320.aspx).

On the other hand, I was able to check the specs of Kioti's CK20S HST by clicking a tab (CK20S HST Compact Tractor | Kioti Tractors).

My question is why Kubota's Web team chose to provide that info as a pdf file rather than providing the info directly on their Web site?

Steve

 

[KiotiKowboy]

(https://www.kubota.com/product/B2320/B2320.aspx

That is not a PDF. It is .aspx, as evidenced in the link itself.

Perhaps to your original question: You can set the default apps for filetypes in your browser. In Firefox, for .pdf, it's possible to use the standalone Acrobat, or the Acrobat in the browser itself, or even some other program of your choice. I'm sure this is also possible in InternetExplorer but I left that one behind lonnnng ago.

 

[buckeyefarmer]

I'd much rather have data in pdf then from regular web page, if I want to keep a copy.

 

[smstonypoint]

(https://www.kubota.com/product/B2320/B2320.aspx

That is not a PDF. It is .aspx, as evidenced in the link itself.

Perhaps to your original question: You can set the default apps for filetypes in your browser. In Firefox, for .pdf, it's possible to use the standalone Acrobat, or the Acrobat in the browser itself, or even some other program of your choice. I'm sure this is also possible in InternetExplorer but I left that one behind lonnnng ago.

A bad choice for an example on my part -- I claim drowsiness.

Here's an example that illustrates my point. When I bought my new tractor, I wanted a 4' cutter. My dealer carries both Bush Hog and Land Pride. The Bush Hog specs could be obtained by clicking a tab (BH10 Series Rotary Cutters) while I had to download a pdf file to obtain the specs for the Land Pride (RCR12 Series Rotary Cutters | Land Pride).

Finding the specs for the Bush Hog cutter was easier for me and less time consuming. I can see providing user manuals as pdf files, but I don't see the need to download the specs in a pdf file. That file turned out to be two pages long.

I think something changed when I updated Firefox. I may be having a senior moment, but I think that formerly when I did a search and clicked on a pdf file of interest, that file opened as a tab within Firefox. Now I have to find the downloaded file and then open it using Adobe.


Steve

 

[smstonypoint]

I'd much rather have data in pdf then from regular web page, if I want to keep a copy.

I agree, but I have no need to keep a copy of the specs of a rotary cutter.

Steve

 

[KiotiKowboy]

In Firefox ... To prevent Acrobat from opening as a separate instance;

Tools
Options
Applications
Portable Document Format
Use Adobe Acrobat(in Firefox)

 

[/pine]

There are basically two trains of thought when it comes to WWW content providers... they both involve three distinct scenarios..
the first is 1.) content, 2.) presentation, 3.) navigation

The second is 1.) content, 2.) content, 3.) content...

get the picture?
WWW users for the most part only care about finding the information they are seeking (content)
.PDF files allow a provider to present their content in a manner that is easy to save (for future reference etc) without forcing the user to save unwanted markup, graphics etc...also dynamic content (i.e., content from database queries) often will not save properly (format issues etc.)

BTW if you do not know how to prevent it..Adobe is very keen on tracking/spying on the files you open with their software...for instance if you save a .PDF file to a HDD etc... every time you open said file Adobe "phones home" if there is an open Internet connection...the easiest way to prevent this is with a firewall...FWIW...

 

[smstonypoint]

In Firefox ... To prevent Acrobat from opening as a separate instance;

Tools
Options
Applications
Portable Document Format
Use Adobe Acrobat(in Firefox)

Thanks, but that's the setting I now have.

Steve

Edit -- My bad, I made the change and the pdf file now opens in Firefox. Thanks for the help.

 

[KiotiKowboy]

Thanks, but that's the setting I now have.Steve

My system is Win 8.1 64 bit
Firefox 31.0
Adobe Acrobat 11.0.7.79

I can flip these options on the fly and have immediate effect on how pdf is handled.

In any event, you will still be getting a pdf document. All this does is change the presentation.

 

[smstonypoint]

My system is Win 8.1 64 bit
Firefox 31.0
Adobe Acrobat 11.0.7.79

I can flip these options on the fly and have immediate effect on how pdf is handled.

In any event, you will still be getting a pdf document. All this does is change the presentation.

I edited my earlier post. Your suggestion worked. Thanks for the help.

Steve