CMSY129 Principles of the
Internet
Hypermedia - Acrobat PDF Viewer
One of the limitations of the web is that the HTML language doesn't allow for the same flexibility designers have in traditional print media with desktop publishing. It's possible - though considerably more difficult - to create a page with all the layout conventions people are used to working with and reading.
Many times, companies that produce a printed manual, technical specifications, catalogues, or other documents with heavy reliance on page layout, will just make a PDF (portable document format) version of it and put it on their web site.
For you to view the file, you need the PDF plug in installed on your computer. Once you have the plug in, you can view PDF files on the web, and you will be able to view and print a document with all the layout conventions the originators were able to take advantage of with their traditional desktop publishing tools. For example, with the PDF viewer installed, you can view Howard Community College's credit free catalog online, which looks virtually identical to the printed version which is mailed to county residents.
To view files in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) you'll need to download their viewer: http://www.adobe.com/prodindex/acrobat/readstep.html and install it on your computer.
Sites to view once you have the PDF viewer on your computer:
HCC's Publications Online
IRS Publications Online
Cliff's Notes Online