Digital Media Service

Acrobat Reader

This website is intended to offer technical support for students at the University of Tennesse who are trying to access course materials from DMS. If you do not find the information you need on this page, please call the OIT HelpDesk at (865) 974-9900. HelpDesk hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday - Friday. You can also email DMS at digitalmedia@utk.edu.

• Installing Acrobat Reader
• Minimum system requirements for Acrobat Reader
• Downloading Acrobat Reader
• Troubleshooting Acrobat Reader

Installing Acrobat Reader

DMS delivers text materials using Acrobat Reader. Acrobat Reader files have an .pdf extension and should be clearly identified as such on your course website. You must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader software installed on your computer to access PDF files. Acrobat Reader software is available for Windows, Macintosh, Unix, Palm OS and Pocket PC operating systems. Adobe offers two versions of this software, Acrobat Reader, which is free, and Acrobat, which is not free. Acrobat Reader is all that is required to view PDF files created by DMS.

Most of the computer labs on campus will already have the latest version of Acrobat Reader installed. However, if you are trying to access PDF files from off-campus, you may need to install the software on your own computer.

Minimum System Requirements for Acrobat Reader

The minimum system requirements for Acrobat Reader change from version to version. Please check Adobe's website for the latest system requirements.

Downloading Acrobat Reader

You can download the free version of Acrobat Reader by clicking here. Remember: you do not have to purchase any software to access PDF files created by DMS.

If your computer does not meet the minimum requirements for the latest version of Acrobat Reader, you can download an older version of Acrobat Reader by clicking here.

Troubleshooting Acrobat Reader

Below are a few suggestions to help you troubleshoot Acrobat Reader, should you experience any problems. You should also refer to the Help Menu on the Acrobat Reader client, as well as the Acrobat Reader Support site maintained by Adobe. Remember that restarting your computer may solve any problems you might be experiencing, without any further troubleshooting.

• I am having problems viewing Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files when RealDownload is installed.

  You may experience difficulties accessing PDF files when the RealDownload software is installed. Real recommends holding the control ("Ctrl") key on your keyboard when clicking the link and your web browser will handle the download as if RealDownload wasn't even there.

• I am having problems printing Adobe Acrobat (PDF) files.

  Adobe has multiple resolutions for solving printing problems, which can be found on their Acrobat Reader Support page. Basic tips DMS has found useful for printing PDF files include:

1. Open the document you want to print.
2. Click on the Print button on the Acrobat Toolbar.



3. In the print options, make sure you check the box for "Print as image"
4. Click OK to print.



Finally, some customers have found that the amount of RAM in the computer connected to printer can have an effect on print problems. A minimum of 64MB of RAM is recommended and 128MB is preferred.