Is anyone else troubled by the fact that a document reader can even have a vulnerability that would allow elevation to root? I mean, that suggests that the app somewhere has the code to elevate to root privileges and doesn't properly secure how it is called. I can't imagine any reason a document reader would even need that permission.
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Adobe Acrobat Security Vulnerabilities Allow Root Privileges on Mac, Update Now
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The better question is why is Adobe running with root privileges? Or is there an OS X bug as well?
Generic "brochure" type PDFs that are just text and pictures can be read easily with the Mac's built in Preview.
It's when a PDF is built with interactive forms and calculating fields that Actobat Reader is required.
These types of documents contain embedded JavaScript (which is likely where the present vulnerability exists).
Simple PDFs: Preview is fine
Complex PDFs: Acrobat Reader required
It's when a PDF is built with interactive forms and calculating fields that Actobat Reader is required.
These types of documents contain embedded JavaScript (which is likely where the present vulnerability exists).
Simple PDFs: Preview is fine
Complex PDFs: Acrobat Reader required
The harder failure is the one at the OS level. Any other misbehaving program can just keep doing at least what Adobe Reader could.
Yes, Acrobat does a HUGE amount more than Preview. You could say compared to Preview, it's an Acrobat.
In addition and ironically when it comes to security, preview doesn't support the protocols implemented by certain security organisations, (example - I had to do some police clearance forms and neither PDFExpert nor Preview were supported).
That was what actually made me look to it in the first place.
Much like Flash and Java, there is no need for Acrobat Reader on a Mac.
Preview will open PDF's.
The less third party junk the better....... 🤪
Preview will open PDF's.
The less third party junk the better....... 🤪
Many, many years ago I removed all Adobe products from my Mac so I'm good. That being said, I wish Apple put some more love into Preview - it has primitive search capabilities and the sidebar containing all the thumbnails constantly gets corrupted with graphics artifacts while scrolling up/down through large documents. I find myself complaining about Preview's shortcomings all the time...
Don't use Adobe products because of their security (and subscription) issues and I don't use "free" Google products because they data mine every single thing you do. I use Apple products where possible because (apparently) I value not having those Adobe/Google issues more than I do having better software. If Apple put more focus on making quality software then my life would be wonderful - it would be such a minimal impact to their bottom line! Sigh, I just wish I could have my cake and eat it too. For now I suffer with mediocre stuff like Preview, Mail, Calendar, Contacts etc. and just grizzle a lot.
All well and good, but if you’re concerned about security and aren’t using a version of MacOS receiving security updates, well, that just doesn’t make much sense.
Your point about Preview and forms is well taken, though. I will say that PDF Expert for Mac has taken over the duties Acrobat used to serve - well worth the cost IMHO.
Exactly
What I find really annoying is that Adobe installs crap all over the place, In Applications-Utilities-shared folders-fonts-and lots of other places, even after an uninstall traces can be found in multiple places.
Why not just have an App.folder with all files in it like most other Apps do.
lol, ALL OSes ALWAYS have more vulnerabilities, Steve Jobs isn't someone you could say doesn't have an ulterior motive to condemn competitors, what's your point?
Yes, but if you don't know you need it you shouldn't install it.
Personally, I've found value in it in the past, but I haven't needed it for some time now.
The trouble with pdf forms is so many are so poorly designed. I use preview exclusively for filling forms and it is excellent. Sometimes “experts” try to create automated forms and these are usually crap, I try to avoid completely but if you sometimes have to file taxes in some states with these crappy forms, you must use adobe
I get the last laugh though, I get the versions that can be filled using preview(which is by far the best user experience) then print them and file as paper return. If the tax guys make my life more difficult- back at yah!
Try opening a PDF with forms to be filled in and then sign it with a government PIV. Won't work with preview.
There are indeed PDF files that Preview does not render correctly, like certain transparency configurations, gradients or print-only elements, for example. Not something you'll need daily, though...
I've come to the conclusion that most of the questions put like the one you replied to are actually meant to be both rhetorical and a little silly.
Not just on this subject.
I use it on Windows and OSX but the simple answer is; Anybody that needs more power and compatibility than Preview/PDFExpert/etc.
I'd rather have an app that's ugly and slow app, (in YOUR opinion), than an app that doesn't actually do what I need it to do at all or does it poorly.