Introduction
In most cases, files on NCI wiki are provided in an accessible HTML web format, as explained on the Accessibility - NCI Wiki page. When other file formats are used (such as PDF or RealPlayer), postings are annotated with the corresponding file format and a link to this page is provided. Below you will find instructions for using the various file types as well as links to download free viewers that will work across multiple operating system platforms. Many of these documents will open directly in your browser or will provide the option of saving to your local computer.
Many documents on this wiki are available as downloadable and sometimes fillable form files, usually in Portable Document Format (PDF) - see below. You can fill in data fields on PDF forms labeled as "Fillable." Otherwise, the forms on this wiki do not support this feature.
Adobe Acrobat or PDF Forms/Files
Before attempting to read these files, you will need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed (download Acrobat Reader 
). The free Adobe Acrobat reader will allow you to view and print PDF files. Also see the Adobe Acrobat Reader download page for quick links to Acrobat Reader for Windows with Search and Accessibility features. In addition, Adobe offers other Online Conversion Tools for Adobe PDF Documents including web-based and e-mail submissions. Additional conversion tools are available in the Adobe Accessibility Resource Center .
As mentioned above, there are numerous PDF forms on this web site labeled as "Fillable". Note that there are limitations on the functionality of these forms depending on the product you are using, as follows:
- If you have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader software you can fill the forms out and print them, you cannot save them. You must re-fill the PDF form every time you open it. The Adobe Acrobat Reader software functions this way by design, it is supposed to allow users to view PDF files, it is not designed to edit them.
- Software packages may be available that will allow you to complete, save and print the forms. However, it it essential that the type size and format specifications are met or the application will be returned without review.
Audio Files
There are several software programs that can play audio files on demand. Some of the common file formats for audio files are .mp3 and .wav. Below you will find a list of the free software programs that are used to play the audio files on this site:
Quicktime
There are several Quicktime audio files on this web site that can be played on demand using Quicktime which is available from Apple for free and may be downloaded by visiting the link below.
- Visit the Quicktime site to download the player.
Windows Media Player
There are several Windows Media Player audio files on this web site that can be played on demand using Windows Media Player which is available from Microsoft for free and may be downloaded by visiting the link below.
- Visit the Windows Media Player site to download the player.
Video Clips
There are several software programs that can play video clips on demand. Some of the common file formats for video files are .mp4, .rm, and .wmv. Below you will find a list of the free software programs that are used to play the video clips on this site:
Quicktime
You can play Quicktime video clips (.mp4) using Quicktime, which is available for free from Apple and may be downloaded by visiting the link below.
- Visit the Quicktime site to download the player.
RealPlayer
You can play Streaming Video Clips (.rm, .rfm) using RealPlayer software. The Real Media streaming video player is available for free; get it from the Real Media Player download site .
Windows Media Player
You can play Windows Media Player video clips (.wmv, .mp4) using Windows Media Player, which is available for free from Microsoft and may be downloaded by visiting the link below.
- Visit the Windows Media Player site to download the player.
Flash
You can play Flash files using the Adobe Flash Player, which is available for free from Adobe and may be downloaded by visiting the link below.
- Visit the Adobe Flash Player site to download the player.
Saving Files Locally
When you click on a link to a file in other than HTML format, your browser may open the document in the browser window, open the document in its native application automatically, or prompt you to save the file locally. The action the browser takes depends on your local browser/application configuration. You will need to have the appropriate application or file viewer (see free viewers above) to view these documents.
- If your browser automatically opens the document in it's native application or reader, you will have the option to do a File/Save to capture the document to your local computer.
- If your browser prompts you to download and save the file, simply choose an appropriate place on your local hard disk to store the file. You will want to carefully note the location you save to so that you will be able to find the file when the download is completed.
In addition, you can save a file by right-clicking the link, then saving it to a selected drive and folder.
Using Compressed and Archived Files
In some cases, large individual documents or groups of files have been archived together and compressed into a single (smaller) file. File names of these archives end in "EXE" if you are a PC user or "SIT" for Mac users. Clicking on a link to an archived file file will result in that file being downloaded to your computer.
Once downloaded, these compressed files can typically be uncompressed by simply double-clicking and choosing a destination folder to store them in.
