Frequently Asked Questions

Web FAQ

Downloading Software Applications and Files
1. Why do I need to download some software applications?
2. How do I download software (like WinZip and Acrobat Reader) from other sites?
3. Once I have downloaded the software, how do I get it installed on my computer?
4. How do I download PDF files from this website?
5. How do I download Zip files from this website?

General Questions
1. How do I know if I have the software I need on my computer?
2. Why use PDF?
3. Why use Zip?
4. Who do I contact if I have problems?

Downloading Software Applications and Files

1. Why do I need to download some software applications?

Sometimes you need to have special software on your computer in order for you to do certain things with files on this and other websites. Most of the time, this software does not come pre-installed on your computer, so you need to do this yourself. This requires that you download a file from a website and then install it on your computer. For example, in order to view documents on this website that are in PDF format, you must have Adobe's Acrobat Reader software installed. The good news is that most of these software applications are free.

2. How do I download software (like WinZip and Acrobat Reader) from other sites?

You go to the site and look for the downloads area. (For WinZip and Acrobat Reader, we've provided linked buttons to take you directly to the respective download pages.) Once there, you may be asked to tell what Operating System you have (such as Windows 98 or ME), what language you want the software in, etc. You may also be asked for your email address in case you want to be notified of product updates or to read a license agreement that specifies acceptable use of the software. Once you've gone through all of that, you'll generally see a link to download the software. Click on the link and save the file (usually called an executable or exe file) to your computer somewhere that you will be able to find it. Sometimes you are given the option of installing the software right away - go ahead and do that. If you're not given that option...

3. Once I have downloaded the software, how do I get it installed on my computer?

Check your computer where you saved the file that you downloaded. Once you have found the file, double-click it. This should start the installation process. During the install process, just follow the instructions. If you don't know what choice to make on a screen, it is always safe to just go with the default option that is there.

4. How do I download PDF files from this website?

We use PDF files for copies of our brochures, applications, registration forms, and other materials. Most users just want to print out a hard-copy of the document and not necessarily save the document to their computer (download it).

To view/print a PDF file, you can just click the link to the file. It will then appear in your Internet browser window. From there, you can print it off by choosing "File" -> "Print" from the menu bar. Then, simply click your browser's Back button to return to the previous page.

If you actually want to save a copy of the file to your computer, you need to right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As..." (this is for Internet Explorer users) or "Save Link As..." (for Netscape users). Once you save it to your computer, you can go find it and double-click on it to open it up.

5. How do I download Zip files from this website?

To download a Zip file to your own computer, right-click on the link and choose "Save Target As..." (Internet Explorer users) or "Save Link As..." (Netscape users). Once you have saved it to your computer, you need to go find it and double-click on it.

This will open up WinZip. If you have the evaluation version (which is the one we link to from this site), you need to click the "I Agree" button. In "Classic" interface (which should be the default), you will see a bunch of buttons across the top and a list of all the documents in the Zip file. Click on the "Extract" button. You'll then be asked where you want to save the documents to on your computer. If you're in the "Wizard" interface, you will be walked through the process a little more in-depth. However, the "Classic" interface should provide you with what you need.

General Questions

1. How do I know if I have the software I need on my computer?

You can check to see if the software you need is already installed by clicking your "Start" button, choosing "Programs" and then seeing if WinZip (for .zip files) or Adobe Reader (for .pdf files) is there. If it isn't, you will need to download and install the programs yourself.

2. Why use PDF?

Documents that we need to make available to a wide range of people (such as applications for a program, or registration forms for a training) are converted into Portable Document Format (.pdf). PDF files are nice because as long as you have the correct software (Acrobat Reader) you can view them no matter what program was used to create the original file.

For example, if we use MS Word 2000 to create a file and put it on our website, people who use other applications such as older versions of Word (95,97) or word processing software like WordPerfect will not be able to access the file. If we convert that document to .pdf format, then anyone can view the file, as long as they have Acrobat Reader.

3. Why use Zip?

Zip files are used to "hold" many documents and to reduce the collective file size, which makes these files quicker to download.

For example, if we put a manual on this site that encompassed 20 different sections, it would be a lot of hassle to download 20 separate files. Instead, we "zip them up" into one larger file. You would download the Zip file and use WinZip to extract the individual documents and save them on your computer.

4. Who do I contact if I have problems?

CCR&R staff are encouraged to contact their technology specialist or Data Specialist for assistance. If they are not available, please contact the webmaster at the INCCRRA office.

If you are not CCR&R staff, you might first want to ask your Internet Service Provider for assistance if it is free. Their Help Desk staff will be able to help walk you through these processes step-by-step. You can also obtain printed copies of materials by calling the INCCRRA office.