PDF-XChange Viewer Last Stable Release: 2.5.322.10

[Jamin4u]

Is it safe to use the last unsupported  version of PDF-XChange Viewer?

If not, any suggestions for a free no hassles safe alternative.

Thanks

[Jamin4u]

4 hours ago, Jamin4u said:

Is it safe to use the last unsupported  version of PDF-XChange Viewer?

If not, any suggestions for a free no hassles safe alternative.

Thanks

I'm good here with this topic.  

Google is my friend.  

[hazelnut]

Cannot comment Jamin as I've always used Sumatra.

 

[Jamin4u]

@hazelnut

I did see Sumatra as a good alternative.  It's good to know that someone I trust uses it.  I don't have great confidence in using a disconnected or unsupported piece of software anymore.  Trackers new software is much more than I need.  Along with the limited maintenance period of updates, without registering it.  Trackers viewer has been good to me, but I think I'll give Sumatra a try.

[nukecad]

These days for online PDFs I just view them in the browser (Firefox) and then save them if I want to keep them. Most browsers can open PDF's now,

You can also set the browser to be the default app for opening your saved PDFs, which they can do offline too.
If you do that then no neeed for a seperate PDF viewer and so one less app to have installed.

For saved PDFs I tend to just use Adobe Reader DC.
Yes it can be a bit OTT just for viewing the odd PDF, but it does the job and I've never got round to evaluating the alternatives.
Perhaps if I viewed PDF's more often I'd spend the time to look at few different reader apps.

[Jamin4u]

@nukecad

I just discovered a few days ago that browsers can open PDF'S.   At this time, I just read PDF'S and don't do any creating or editing.  Using a browser is definitely something to consider as a read only app.  

I have a friend that wants something other than using a browser which is what started my pursuit for an alternative.

@hazelnut

I used Windows sandbox to test out Sumatra and it does what its intended to do.  I see that both versions have a check for updates under the help tab.

What's the update process like?  Meaning is it downloaded and updated or is it done manually by visiting the site and downloading then installing.  My friend is not tech Savey at all, and this would matter to her.

 

 

[hazelnut]

14 minutes ago, Jamin4u said:

 

@hazelnut

 What's the update process like?  Meaning is it downloaded and updated or is it done manually by visiting the site and downloading then installing.  My friend is not tech Savey at all, and this would matter to her.

 

 

I usually download latest version over the top to update. Literally takes seconds.

Very occasionally I update through the interface. It works on Win 11 too for me.

I prefer to use Sumatra to open website pdf's on my system so I can save then if I want.

I choose in Settings to set it as the opening default for pdf's

 

 

[Jamin4u]

@hazelnut

It sounds nice and easy for updating.  I'm willing to educated  her on what she needs to do.

Besides the default method you mentioned,  I also use right clicking on a file > open with and choose app once or always.  The latter has changed a little from Windows 10 to 11 but still works.  

[hazelnut]

It's always about personal choice isn't it?

Whatever works best for you and your machine.

[Jamin4u]

Absolutely %  correct!  

[Andavari]

I've been using SumatraPDF Portable (https://portableapps.com/apps/office/sumatra_pdf_portable) for several months and like how simple it is. It's not bloated at all, has a no-frills easy to use GUI, and it's Open Source (GPL).

[Jamin4u]

@Andavari

I've been using SumatraPDF Portable for about a week now myself.  It's perfect as a reader including all you mentioned.  My lady friend likes it too.  

[hazelnut]

On 01/04/2024 at 11:21, Jamin4u said:

@hazelnut

 

Besides the default method you mentioned,  I also use right clicking on a file > open with and choose app once or always.  The latter has changed a little from Windows 10 to 11 but still works.  

Keep an eye on this

https://www.ghacks.net/2024/04/08/new-sneaky-windows-driver-ucdp-stops-non-microsoft-software-from-setting-defaults/

[Jamin4u]

@hazelnut

That's going to start some conversations and work arounds.  Even if their intentions are good, they're clearly the benefactors.

Thanks for the good information.