| Adobe Fixes AdobeUpdater Memory Problem with Reader 8.1 |
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| Monday, 18 June 2007 | |
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If ever there were a case of a software bug causing me lost productivity, it belonged to Adobe Reader 8.0. In my work, I read many PDF files. Starting with Adobe Reader 8, each time I started the application, my CPU usage would jump and stay at 100%. My PC became useless unless I rebooted or killed the task. It appears Adobe Reader 8.1 has fixed that problem.
In my opinion, all software has bugs even if they haven’t been discovered. This is something I recognize and accept. (I have one on this site that I’m trying to resolve for readers with low resolution.) Once a bug is discovered, the company needs to evaluate the bug to determine the right way and time to fix the issue. In this case, I was disappointed with Adobe’s lack of support on this issue (Bug 1493398). As a result, I removed Adobe Reader on one computer and installed a free alternative to Adobe Reader called FoxIt Reader. On my other computer, I renamed one of the program’s APIs so it wouldn’t call AdobeUpdater.exe. I have to wonder how many people were impacted by this issue and blamed another program for the sluggishness. I hope that all this is in the past with the new version of the software. I will most likely keep FoxIt Reader on the notebook as I like competition. Apart from fixing a series of bugs, Adobe has outlined some interesting features to 8.1 in their Tech Note. These include:
This last item is one that I will test out and report. My experience with FedEx Kinko’s has been less than stellar, both with their local offices and with technical support. The good news is that the online print service can only improve. I would encourage you to get this free upgrade for Adobe Reader. If you go to the download page referenced below, make sure you double-check your download options. By default, the checkbox is selected for Adobe Photoshop® Album Starter Edition. You may not need or want this other program. I’m of the opinion that these checkboxes should be disabled and allow the user to decide if they want it. Update: 07/01/07 - I did have an opportunity to try the new FedEx Kinko's Print Online feature this past week. The program could not print the first report since the author had password protected the file. This is a common problem with many online printers. The second file did print, but the local office was confused about what was to be printed on the cover. It seems the order came in with conflicting options. The issue was quickly resolved by phone.
Adobe TechNote for Adobe Reader 8.1
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| Last Updated ( Tuesday, 07 August 2007 ) |
