PDF is an acronym for "Portable Document Format." PDF is a file format created by Adobe that lets you view and print a file exactly as the author designed it, without needing the same application or fonts used to create the file. Since its introduction in 1993, PDF has become an Internet standard for electronic distribution that faithfully preserves the look and feel of the original document complete with fonts, colors, images, and layout.

To view a PDF file you need Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is available free of charge from Adobe. Acrobat Reader is available for PC, Mac, and Unix systems. In fact, since the PDF has become so widely used, Acrobat Reader is preinstalled on most newer PCs and Macs. If you don't already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, you can download a free copy from Adobe.