Recently I've found the following information: "We’ve received feedback for features that should be even more customizable (such as Explorer or the logon screen) or features that should be added to Windows (such as a PDF format reader , security tools, or disk utilities)." Source: http://blogs.msdn.com/e7/archive/2009/03/06/beta-to-rc-changes-turning-windows-features-on-or-off.aspx So, what exactly happened to this idea? That feature didn't make it into Windows 7, but what about future versions?

Acrobat is a proprietary program owned by Adobe. The Open Office program can use the PDF format, I am not sure about the licensing that they have. I have not seen any news about Adobe and Open Office. I have CS4 and I use it extensively. It comes with Acrobat so I do not care as I have the full program as opposed to the reader. If you need Acrobat Reader, go to Adobe.com and look for the get reader button. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe

@Vegan Fanatic: But the posted text was implying to me, that they are considering to add a native PDF reader into Windows someday. Or am I wrong? @grits n gravy: I don't know what you mean. The link is working and I've quoted the fourth line.

Several prgams are now offering PDF capabiility. I only suggested that an alternative to use the Acrobat printer driver. I have CS4 and I use it a lot with scnanned documents. Acrobat is still owned by Adobe, so I am not sure if Microsoft can reach a deal to add native support. Acrobat professional is still expensive. Vote if answered or helpful, I am running for Office (joke)! IT/Developer, Windows/Linux/Mainframe

@Vegan Fanatic: But the posted text was implying to me, that they are considering to add a native PDF reader into Windows someday. Or am I wrong? Hi The article did not imply that they were considering anything. It simply mentioned a couple of features that had been requested during the beta. Adding a feature such as native support for PDF files would carry a lot of extra baggage. If you feel that this is important, you can submit your feedback and request using the following online form. Windows 7 feedback - Speak to us at Microsoft Hope this helps. Thank You for using Windows 7 Ronnie Vernon MVP

Yeah, but from the logical standpoint, you would only mention those kind of requested features, that are realistically to be added or you would directly say, that it is not going to happen. But maybe that's just me. Thanks for the link by the way!

The most prominant image in my mind after reading all these posts is Apple's "Preview" application native on OSX nowdays.