Help with Downloading and Viewing Files

Downloading and viewing files from a website requires some basic understanding of a few things, such as how to work with "zipped" files. Your computer will need to have a few common "utility" applications installed in order to work with certain file formats. These utilities may already by installed on your computer. If not, don't worry - they are safe, free, and easy to install.

Viewing PDF Files

Many files exchanged over the internet are in PDF format, which offers a single method for viewing documents originally created in nearly any application and in any version. The most popular manufacturer of software for creating and viewing PDF is Adobe. You can download a free viewer from Adobe's website.

Working with Zipped Files

Sharing large files is often a challenge because they take too long too download or they are rejected by email servers. To overcome this problem, large files can be compressed into what is commonly referred to as a "zip" or "zipped" format. These files usually have names that end with a ".zip" extension. One of the more popular manufacturers of software for creating and viewing zip files is WinZip. You can purchase a copy (or download a free evaluation) of this software at WinZip's website. Make sure to spend some time reading the HELP topics to become acquainted with handling zip files.

Sharing Federation Reports with Snapshot Viewer

One way of sharing Federation reports is by using Snapshot Viewer. Federation is built in Microsoft Access, and Snapshot Viewer is a tool specially designed for sharing Access reports. When you preview a report in Federation, one of the export options is Snapshot format, which saves the report as a standalone file with the formatting perfectly intact. Anyone wishing to view this report will need to have Snapshot Viewer installed on their computer. It is quick and easy download from Microsoft's website. We have also prepared a tip sheet on how how to install and use Snapshot Viewer.

Using FTP Software

Advanced level users may want to move files back and forth between their local network and their website. The method of doing so is called "ftp", which stands for file transfer protocol. People often refer to the the act transferring files using in this way as "ftp-ing". There are a variety of software packages that handle ftp-ing in different ways. Some packages you may consider for purchasing or downloading a free evaluation copy are WS_FTP from Ipswitch and Cute FTP from GlobalScape.