If you’re looking for random, but quality content online, chances are you’re looking for a PDF file rather than a regular webpage. The only problem is finding PDF it.
Typing in a category with the PDF search tag attached isn’t efficient in major search engines like Google. While PDF specific search engines are more efficient than simply Googling for PDFs, somehow it doesn’t seem to be as efficient as it can be.
For instance, when you look for a file using one, a single PDF file seems “lost” among a sea of files. It’s still a regular search process with regular results, but the actual written entry for the PDFs are listed up in the same way the entry results for a website would be written up.
Would your click on a PDF be determined by the same amount and type of data you’re given when you search for a website? A mere description? Searching for PDF files is not the same as searching for a website.
So while trying to find another way of looking for PDF files, I came across another PDF resource, PDFoo.com, which might be a better fit for searching PDFs.
Granted, there are differences in database sizes, content sources, PDF content being selected, indexing—the list goes on, but the approach the site takes makes a significant difference.
Well, you be the judge. Here’s a quick overview on PDFoo.com.
Like with any other databse, PDFoo has a large number of PDF resources. PDF files are organized by categories, by latest downloads, and by statistics on various topics.
But how do you know if you got a dud or a really good file? PDFoo gives you a few handy indicators on the files.
While it may seem a haven for hidden viruses and other PDF security threats you read about online, PDFoo.com is dedicated to being as transparent as possible in providing data on all of its files.
When you click on an entry, you’ll get the file’s statistics, so you know what to expect. These stats usually include download details, its source, the size of the file, the number of pages, a short description and even a thumbnail showing a brief glimpse at the content.
You can also do a search on PDFs uploaded in the last 24 hours, which is handy if you’re looking for specific files like coding manuals. The Last 24 Hours feed gives you a glimpse at how active those topics have been.
PDFoo.com seems to be a site that likes to help connect users to relevant resources.
Not only do they connect you with PDF files, they also provide you with a section called, Free Trade Magazine Subscriptions & Technical Document Downloads. Here you can subscribe to and download free PDF magazines, white papers, downloads and podcasts.
As an added bonus, PDFoo also offers a database of YouTube video resources you can sift through and watch directly on the site.
The content on the site is free to download and view. However, with the exception of viewing videos, you’ll need to register to gain access to the PDFs.
Give it a try and see if the interface of a website doesn’t make a difference in searching for a PDF.
