Instructions for Downloading and Using PDF Files

What is PDF?

PDF stands for Portable Document Format. Using PDF format to share files over the web is popular because this one format can be read across both Mac and Windows platforms while maintaining the formatting of the original document and keeping the file sizes relatively small. This makes it quick and easy to make documents of all kinds, such as word processing documents and scanned images, available to people over the web regardless of the type of system they are using.

How can I view PDF files?

Viewing PDF files requires Adobe Acrobat Reader--a free PDF viewer. After installing the reader, it will start up each time that you click on a PDF file. To install the Acrobat Reader, go to the Adobe Acrobat Reader Download Page and follow the instructions. They will walk you through the process to make sure that you install the software that is appropriate for your system.

After the Adobe Acrobat Reader is installed on your system, your work is done! When you click on links containing PDF files, your browser (Netscape, Internet Explorer, Opera, etc.) will open the Acrobat Reader automatically and bring up the PDF file. Once the document is open, you can browse it on screen or print it out.

But I still don't get it...

Having particular problems getting Adobe Acrobat Reader to work on your machine? If you think that your problems are with the Reader in particular, refer to Adobe's Acrobat Reader Support Resources first. If you need general help with software installation or if you are having problems loading the ETL PDFs, send email to the Webmaster describing the problem.