This page will attempt to cover any issues that you may come across regarding downloading pages on this website and other computer issues

nb- all advice is given with the assumption that the user is working with microsoft computer software

Q: What is PDF and how do I access a document in that format?

A: PDF means Portable Document Format. It is a particular way of viewing/reading a document on your computer and being able to print it off, but not to edit or alter it.
To be able to view a pdf document you must have the relevant program installed on your computer. A recommended website to go to for this would be www.adobe.com. Click on the 'get adobe reader' and follow the instructions to download to your personal computer. This is free of charge. Once you have installed this an adobe icon will appear on your computer desktop page.

Every time a document has a pdf format your computer should recognise this fact and open the document in the adobe program automatically.

Q: I already have adobe reader (or similar,) but when I try to open a pdf download a window appears with the title "file conversion" and tells me that I need to select the encoding that makes my document readable. What do I choose?

A:You do not choose any. This happens because your computer is trying to open the document in word (which means it has not recognised that it is pdf.) The best way to get around this is to save the document to your computer - anywhere in "my documents." Once it is saved, open your adobe program (by clicking on your desktop adobe icon) and within that then search for the saved document and open it that way ie file>open

Q: Some pages take a long time to load completely, why is that?

A: This is usually because there is something on that page which holds a lot of memory, such as a photo or image. These will take longer to download. The actual length of time is dependant on the type of connection (broadband or modem) and the level of that particular service on your personal computer

Q: Sometimes, when downloading a document, I am asked which application I would like to use. What do I select?

A: On this website, if a document is not indicated as being either pdf or excel then the document is in a simple 'word' format. Therefore when presented with a list, choose WORD

Q: What is Excel and how do I access a document in that format?

A: Excel is essentially a computerised spreadsheet. It is something that either comes with, or can be bought alongside a microsoft windows package. If you do not have it you cannot download the program from the internet, unlike the adobe pdf program. It must be bought as part of a package or an individual program.
In order to know whether you have Excel or not go to start>programs and see if microsoft excel is in that list.
If you do have excel, the computer should automatically open a document in that format.