Adobe PDF Files
Many of the images at this site exist as both html files, that can be opened in any browser, and pdf files that require an Adobe Acrobat reader to open them. PDF stands for " portable document format ". One great advantage of a pdf file is that it prints with as high quality as the original document, whether it be text or a drawing, whereas drawings in html format (gif's or jpeg's) may be fuzzy. The disadvantage with pdf's is that they often take longer to download.
However, if you want a pristine version of some of the figures or keys for your own use, or the use of your students, it might be worth the loading time - especially since you only have to do it once.
Although it takes a special Adobe writer to create pdf files, Adobe provides a free downloadable reader to your computer. Sometimes when you double click on a pdf file you will be immediately directed to go get the reader. However, if your computer does not you can get one at free download
Saving Adobe Files
Want to save a pdf file to your computer. There are a few things you can do. 1. If you do not have an Adobe reader on your computer yet, or you are not at your own computer, when you double click the pdf file you get an " Unknown file " box. One option is to save the file. Save it to disc or some obvious place on your hard drive. Then you can open the file any time you want, even when not online.
2. To open the file, open Adobe Acrobat (Start/Programs/Adobe Acrobat), or go get a ( free download).
3. Then, use Adobe Acrobat to open the pdf file (e.g. from the reader: File/Open/"C"/click on file name).
Note Do not try to open the file in some other program like Word. "Word" or some other word processor often just produces a screen full of gibberish.
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