PDF does not format documents - it simply converts, without alteration, the format of the original document. All that is required to read a PDF file is Adobe Acrobat Reader (AAR), a free and readily available programme that is already installed on most computers or can be downloaded from the Adobe website. This provides it with a major advantage over Word or HTML documents. PDFs retain their appearance across all platforms, and can be viewed independently of the software, hardware and operating system used to create the file. A number of programmes can be used to convert documents into PDF, including Adobe PageMaker and Adobe Acrobat. Documents appear exactly like the original version but the sophisticated viewing features offered by PDF mean that it is more than a simple photographic replica. It is not an exhaustive list and you should focus on what is required by the actions, rather than on technology when considering the suitability of options. The following information details the most common formats or mediums that can be used to deliver online information and services.
