newfangled version

First of all, this so called help format isn't very user friendly.  Took (wasted) half an hour just to get here.

Recently a new version of the adobe acrobat reader was issued.

1. Each time I open a file, some thingy opens up on the right side, that I don't have any use for and takes up lots of space.  I have to manually close it each and every time I open a file.  That doesn't do anything to enhance productivity.  More like the opposite.

2. Each time I open the adobe reader it gives a list of recently opened files.  Not needed, useless and a waste of time.  I've learned to clear the recent files prior to closing the program.  I call that a waste of time.  That doesn't do anything to enhance productivity.  More like the opposite.

Can't say in any way that these new features have any positive use.  More like things that are pests, just waste time and make using the program unproductive.

As many things come in adobe pdf format, I have no choice but to use the program.  I was actually forced to update to this version by some other source.

How do I fix the program to eliminate the thingy from popping up when I open a file?

How do I NOT have a recent files list?, without having to manually clear it each and every time I close the program.