FSA booklets and factsheets

What are pdf files?
pdf files are documents created with software called Acrobat. You will recognise them by the last few letters after the dot in the file name such as file.pdf. This is short for portable document format.

Acrobat software is produced by Adobe Systems Inc.

What about the different versions?
There are two main versions, Acrobat (the full version), and Acrobat Reader. Acrobat is used by publishers and others to create and edit pdf documents and must be purchased. Acrobat Reader is for anyone who wants to read these documents and it is free.

How do I get hold of Acrobat Reader?
You can get it from Adobe at http://www.adobe.com

When you go to this address there will be a link which says "Get Acrobat Reader free". If you click this it will take you through a few options to the point where you can click the "Download" button.

There is no charge for it but there may be a cost to you while you are downloading it (for example, for telephone calls for the time you are on the site).

How long will the download take?
This will depend mainly on the speed of your connection. If you have a 28.8 bps (bytes per second) modem it could take up to 15 minutes. A faster connection will take less time.

What will I see on the screen?
A message will probably come up on your screen asking where you want to save this file - usually the computer suggests a place to save it. Make a note of the file name and where you have saved it.

What happens next?
You will probably need to find the file and double-click on it. You will then be taken through a number of screens which will then install Acrobat Reader. Once this has happened you will probably need to restart your computer to complete the installation.

What happens after I have installed it?
Whenever you go to a pdf file and click to open it, Acrobat Reader should recognise it and open it.

If you want to save the pdf file to your own computer for future use, click on the link with your right mouse button, giving a 'Save' option.

Go to Adobe Acrobat site

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