[Thomp]

users of Firefox web browser will be finely happy with the way Firefox handles pfd files,

usually pdf documents are handled through adobe plug in but some how firebox had flubbed this one, or maybe it was just my experience that it locked up my browser until the whole pdf file was downloaded and able for display.

lots of pdf files as ebooks are out on the wen with tutorials and patterns for carving,
one place in particular is dark wood carving site, he has tutorials on lots of things free for the downloading.

to get the update go to Firefox browser click help and check for updates if you already haven't.

the update gives you several ways to handle pdf files display and download or show in adobe.. are what i remember,
but it don't lock up my computer any more.
i didn't make the update, its available, download at your own risk as usual....

[Eddy Smiles]

Tom... I'm using a Microsoft browser and a big PDF file locks up my computer unless it's downloaded. Perhaps I should check out FireFox.

[Thomp]

with ie6 and so on there is a way in the right click, context menu to save link as , if you choose that in the ie6 it will download as a file and not stop the browser, like it dose when it opens in your browser. adobi is a resourse hog... good if your not doing nothing else but heck on a person who is reading the news.

firefox6.2 has a download manager built in, its a little buggy but it tracks your downloads and you can manage them very easily, i frequently download and then go to ebay and play or read the new posts here, while it works, now.

but if your runing a low memory system or older processor its usualy never a good reason to upgrade your software becuse you can, or becuse its out there if it dont fit a specific need. you can always bet it will take away more resourses from the computer and slow it down to some extent,.

i have the amd semporon 2.8 gig processor and it runs like a 386 becuse of the load i put on it. virtual memory or spool is always hollering for more, i clean it all up and it runs like a new one for a week or so until it overloads again and im back to the mucking out again. even with blockers norton internet security and firewalls in place its just getting too much to keep up with sometimes.

i dont know the answer to it, you cant buy a new computer every year to stay ahead of the curve. of the software upgrades that eat them up...with little benifit.

my best advice,,
if your running xp keep up with a good restore point monthly and just before installing anything, and keep your operating system serial number and disks well guarded in case of the possible katosrophy....

[Eddy Smiles]

Thomp... Your knowledge of computers amazes me! You sound like the CEO of the "Geek Squad!" I've found a simpler way of dealing with large PDF files. I wait until just before I go to bed and then initiate the download. That gives the system an hour before Net Zero terminates my connection. Works everytime!

[PepeWan]

You may also want to check out Foxit Reader. Much smaller footprint than Acrobat, much much quicker, also.

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php