What Is the Difference Between a PDF & Word Document?
By Kevin Boone
PDF files and Microsoft Word files are used to display documents in a readable format. The file extensions are proprietary to Adobe and Microsoft, respectively.
PDF Format
A PDF is an Adobe Acrobat Reader file. PDF stands for "portable document format."
Word Format
Microsoft Word documents are stored with the DOC extension. DOC stands for "document file."
Programs
PDF files can be opened with Adobe Acrobat Reader and FoxIt PDF Reader. DOC files can be viewed using the open-source OpenOffice.org suite, Microsoft Word, and the Microsoft Office Suite.
Uses
Microsoft Word is used to create and edit written documents. Both PDF and Word files can encapsulate various types of data including text, images, audio, and graphics. PDF files display the document exactly as it will look on the printer.
Cost
OpenOffice, Foxit Reader, and Adobe Reader are free downloads from the appropriate websites. See "Resources" below for a list.
References
Writer Bio
Kevin Boone is a current student at Chattanooga College and graduated from Pellissippi State in 2000 with an associate degree in electrical engineering. He has written safety-related procedures and documents for organizing power system components and holds his A+ Certification for Computers.