Griffstar - 9:44 am on Sep 20, 2006 (gmt 0)

I am intending to put up a reservation form as a PDF file on my website. I need a client signature on this form for it to be valid so the client needs to fax, post or scan and email the form back to me.

Downloading/viewing a PDF file on the web is a struggle for some web users in terms of usability (when Acrobat loads the top navigation is different). I want to make the process as easy as possible.

Some things I thought are:
1. State that it is a PDF file, the file size, how long it would take to download at 56 Kbp and have the Acrobat logo by the link.
2. Mention that the user can right click on the link and save the destination where they would like on their computer.
3. I intend to offer to physically post or email the reservation form to people if they do not want download it.

My questions are:
1. Can PDF files be viewed by the program Acrobat only? I seem to recall reading somewhere that this is not the case. I am would like to provide a link to the Acrobat site so people can download the Acrobat Reader.

2. Might it be an idea to have the same reservation form in a Word file? This program is more familiar to computer users although the form could be altered in Word.

3. I am not a Mac user, but some people who want to download the reservation form will be. How would a Mac user go about downloading a PDF file from my website (obviously, they would not right click anywhere)? Is it helpful or a hinderance to differentiate between Mac and PC users with something like this?

I look forward to your thoughts and recommendations.