I created a web site that includes a link to a document that is in PDF
format.

To accomodate users who may not have Adobe Acrobat Reader, I'd like to
include a link so that they can download a copy of it (of Adobe
Acrobat Reader).

I'm not sure if I am allowed, or should, include a link to a site that
has Adobe Acrobat Reader, or if I can simply download a copy of it
myself (an installation version) and have that as a link on my own
site.

Thanks.

Hello Skip,

You want to link, link.  

Adobe distributes Adobe Reader free of charge, and wants to have it
widely distributed.

The simple answer to your question -- can you link to Adobe Reader --
is "Yes".  Details can be found on the Adobe Reader website:

-----

http://www.adobe.com/products/acrobat/distribute.html?readstep

Distributing Adobe Reader  
 
Please complete the Adobe® Reader® Distribution Agreement only if you
are interested in distributing Adobe Reader software via CD or other
media, or are interested in placing an "Includes Adobe Reader" logo on
your printed material. If you are interested in placing a "Get Adobe
Reader" logo button on your Web site, please review Adobe's
permissions and trademark guidelines.

-----

In other words, if you just want a "Get Adobe Reader" link on your
site, you just need to read their guidelines and press the "I agree"
button.

The other option you mentioned -- linking to your *own* copy of Adobe
Reader -- might consitute "distribution" and therefore require you to
be a bit more formal and fill out their Distribution Agreement.

But why bother?  Just link directly to the the Adobe Reader download
page, after telling Adobe that you agree to their guidelines, which
are here:


http://www.adobe.com/misc/agreement.html

I can't replicate the whole thing here (ironically, the Guidelines
themselves are copyright protected, so are not reproducible here), but
the key paragraph is probably this one:

-----

2. You may not sell, alter, modify, license, sublicense, copy, or use
the materials in any way other than has been specifically authorized
by Adobe in the permissions and trademark guidelines described herein.

-----

In other words, link...but don't mess around with the program, and
don't try to sell it.


I hope this is everything you need to put your mind at ease so you can
go ahead and create a link to Adobe Reader.  But if you have need of
any additional information, just let me know by posting a Request for
Clarification, and I'll be happy to assist you further.

pafalafa-ga

search strategy: visited Adobe Acrobat site and looked for
distribution information.