Working with PDF
PDF files are created using Adobe Acrobat® software. Adobe produces a free application called Adobe Acrobat Reader® which allows you to download, open, read, and print PDF files. If you do not already have Adobe Acrobat Reader, then you can download the latest version free of charge from the Adobe website. Simply download and install the browser plug-in. Learn more about PDF documents...

Viewing Online Animations
Most online animations are created using Adobe's Shockwave or Flash software. You need to download the respective plugins and install them in your internet browser if you want to view the animations. Both plugins are free. Download the Shockwave plugin or Download the Flash plugin. Follow Adobe's instructions for installation.

Viewing Word/Excel documents
So, you don't have Microsoft Office on your computer. How do you view the online .doc and .xls files? (a) Upload the files to Google Docs & Spreadsheets and your internet browser will display the Word and Excel files. (b) Microsoft has created Viewers for opening these Office files. You can't edit them, but at least you can view them without purchasing the full Office suite. (c) Mac OS X users can use the TextEdit application to view Word files.

Getting E-Mail
What?! You don't have email? Get connected with your own personal permanent email address which you can check from any internet connection in the world! There are tons of free services out there. GMail, Yahoo Mail, and Hotmail are the most frequently used services but there are many others to choose from. Sign up and find out what you've been missing!

Collaborate!
Don't bother with email attachments. Easily share and edit your work with team members using Google Docs. This free service allows you to create and edit Word documents, share with your team mates and then export as a normal Word doc. And the best of all is that your document is kept safely on Google's servers so you can access it anywhere!

Working with Attachments
Tired of printing out your homework? You can go digital and send your work via email attachment. Most instructors can receive attachments in the following formats: *.doc, *.pdf, and *.rtf. To ensure that your attachment will arrive properly, add the 3 letter file extension (.doc) to the document's name. Do NOT send as Microsoft Works (.wps) or WordPerfect documents.

Storing Files
Ever had a floppy disk fail? Tired of shuttling disks back and forth to home, work, and school? Then get rid of them! Use a virtual disk instead! Get virtual disk storage from MyDocsOnline.com Then you can upload and download files from any internet connection in the world! If you are using a Mac, you can subscribe to .Mac services and obtain web email, storage space, backup services and more.

How to Use Computers
Prepare yourself for success! Master essential skills for taking internet-based or web-enhanced classes. WebReadyPlus (BUS 680) is a 1-credit, online, self-paced course which you can take from any Internet-connected computer. It will teach you how to communicate, exchange files, and collaborate with others at school and around the world. If you aren't comfortable in the new "Digital Age", or your Web Skills could use some tuning up, this course will get you up to speed in no time! Alternatively, you can take the last four modules free (no credit; as resource only) and learn how to do library and internet research, cite resources properly, avoid plagiarism and more.