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Help with documents and downloads

PDFs

A PDF (Portable Document Format) file can be opened using the free Adobe Reader application. Alternatively, you can convert a pdf to a more usable format online. To do this, visit the Adobe online PDF converter, type in the address of a PDF file and get it to translate the file into a more readable format while you wait.

Alternatively, you can email the address of the file (or the file itself) to Adobe, and they will email a translation back. These translations of the files may not be as clearly formatted as the original pdf file.

Certain versions of Internet Explorer and Netscape Navigator don't allow PDF files to display in your browser window. To view them, move the mouse cursor over the PDF link and right click the mouse. Select "Save target as". Save the PDF file to an appropriate location and then open it from the saved location.

DOC (Word) documents

DOC (Word) files are editable word processor documents. If you don't have access to the Microsoft Word application then you can use the free Libre Office or Microsoft Word Viewer tools to open these files.

XLS (Excel) spreadsheets

XLS (Excel) documents are spreadsheets, often containing data and statistics. If you don't have access to the Microsoft Excel application then you can use the free Libre Office or Microsoft Excel Viewer tools to open these files.

PPT (Powerpoint) presentations

PPT (Powerpoint) files are presentations. If you don't have access to the Microsoft Powerpoint application then you can use the free Libre Office or Microsoft Powerpoint Viewer to open these files.

MP3s

MP3 files are used for audio content. MP3 files can be played with most audio software such as VLC, Windows Media Player or iTunes. You can also transfer and listen to MP3 files on most portable audio players, and many smartphones.

Zip files

Zip files are used to compress large (or sometimes multiple) files into a single, smaller, downloadable file. Most desktop operating systems (Windows XP, Vista and 7 / Mac OSX) include the ability to open and read the contents of zip files.

If you are using an older version of Windows, you can use the free 7-Zip tool to open these files.