PDF (Portable Document Format) is an internet format that allows any computer operating system (Windows, Mac, Unix, Linux, and more) using any browser (Internet Explorer, Netscape, AOL, and more) to print and/or read a document so it looks the same regardless of what system or browser is being used. The format was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated.
You need special software to create and to read .pdf files. Most newer computers already have the necessary software installed to read pdf files. Look for Acrobat Reader on your computer.
If you don't already have Acrobat Reader, the good news is that it is FREE. All you have to do is download it. Click on the box below to go to the Adobe site. Then, follow the instructions to download and install the version you need for your computer.
Once Acrobat Reader is installed on your computer, click the link you want. You won't see anything on your monitor, but you should get a little dialogue box that says the file is being downloaded onto your computer (hint: make a note where it's being saved on your computer so you can find it later!).
You don't need to be connected to the internet to read a pdf file. Open the desired file (usually by double-clicking) that you downloaded onto your computer, and if everything worked the way it was supposed to, Acrobat Reader will automatically come in and open the file. You can then read and/or print it at your leisure.