File Guide
Download links are available at the bottom of this page.
How to view PowerPoint Presentations:
I use Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2007 to create my presentations. If you don't have Microsoft Office PowerPoint, you can view them by downloading OpenOffice.org (free office-suite) or Office PowerPoint Viewer 2007 (lets you view, not edit, powerpoint presentations). If you have PowerPoint 97-2003, you can still view the 97-2003 version I have available.
How to view Word Documents:
I use Microsoft Office Word 2007 to type up all my documents. If a Word Document is available for download, I usually provide a 2007 document, a 97-2003 document. If you don't have Microsoft Office Word, then you can either download OpenOffice.org or Office Word Viewer.
How to view Excel Spreadsheets:
I use Microsoft Office Excel 2007 to create all my spreadsheets. I usually provide only a 2007 version of the spreadsheet because of certain conversion issues, but you can either download the viewer or request a 97-2003 spreadsheet by simply emailing me. If you don't have Microsoft Office Excel, then you can download OpenOffice.org or Office Excel Viewer.
How to view PDF documents:
By converting various documents to PDF format, they are preserved and are easily viewed by the general public. To view, you can download Adobe Reader for free, or you can use past versions of Adobe Reader/Acrobat products.
How to view Text files:
Text files (*.txt) can be read by basically any device, so just download and read. I usually don't write too many text files, because (1) You can't format the text (bold, italic, underline) (2) You can't add links or pictures (3) They don't provide any layout tools.
I might write text files only for instances where it may need to be read instantly or for very important information where everyone must be able to view it readily.
How to open ZIP files:
ZIP files are simply compressed folders. That means that it squishes all the information in files together to save space. It is ideal for delivering large sets of files. I usually try to limit the number of ZIP files I create, but if I do post one, here's how you open it: Click on the link to download the ZIP file. You can either click save or open, either is fine. If you have a problem opening the file, then you may have to download Zipeg, an "un-zipper" that I highly recommend.
How to use Scribd:
Yes, I use Scribd. And I love it because it allows instant online viewing. I will include a link on many of my documents for it's location on Scribd. Or just look for me on Scribd! I am listed as Windows Tips & Tricks.
Download Links: (click link to go to download website)
I don't offer the following file types:
Uncommon Compressed Files
If ever I need to compress a group of files, I will try to use the ZIP filetype. This is the most common and thus, the easiest to deliver and open. Other compressed types such as: .7z, .gzip, .rar, .tar, .tarz, .tbz, and others are harder to open because a specialized program is required.
Microsoft Office Publisher Documents
Because their is no free converter or equivalent that I can find, I don't offer Publisher documents for download. Instead, I convert them to PDFs and then post them.